I just viewed Romney's "Faith in America" speech, (can be viewed here) and my first response is that the decision to give this speech was brilliant. It speaks volumes about Romney's ability to lead for him to ignore (assuming the reports are accurate) those in his campaign who advised him not to give this speech and draw attention to the issue. And it was brilliant because the glut of earned media attention is priceless. Of course, there was a risk that he might lay an egg, but I think it was a risk worth taking.
Though I thought his delivery was off pitch (too sharp; not a natural/comfortable cadence or intonation), the substance of the speech was very presidential . . . not addressing any narrow constituency and not ignoring any constituency (okay, atheists weren't feeling the love, but . . .). This speech had the tone and substance of one delivered by a person who is already President and who addresses all Americans and no opponents.
For folks who believe that what you believe is more important than simply believing, Romney's effort, in sections of his speech, to minimize religious distinctions and commend belief for belief's sake is not impressive. However, I think those same people will appreciate Romney's courageous defense of "Faith's" role in America. I guess time will tell.
Hello world!
7 years ago
2 comments:
The number of secular Americans has nearly doubled between 1990 and 2001 to 14.2% while the number of Christians has declined from 86% to 76%.
Interestingly, Finland, Belgium, and Sweden, whose educational systems far outshine and outrank Ammerica have the largest non-religious populations. Only 34% of Dutch citizens, 41% of Swedes believe in God.
This trend toward secularization is clear. This and better education can only serve to breakdown the division and conflict religion has brought, creating a higher degree of reason, rational thought and cooperation. Religion has been the cause for conflict in human history and the trend away from religion toward secularization can break down differences and points of contention.
Mitt Romney’s speech stoked the divisiveness of politics and religion, pitting the ‘bad secularists’ against the so-called ‘people with faith’ - citing the dubious notion that founding fathers built America based on ‘religious faith.’
Faith is not a mere failure of reason: Faith is the willful abdication of reason.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a president making decisions based on reason and rational thought over ‘faith’.
I'm well-educated, William, and I disagree with you on a lot of things. And I'm sure that scandinavia would love to have another classical guitarist . . . go for it!
But you read these trends one way; I read them another. The most positive aspect of the trend in my opinion is that, at the least, people are being more honest or self-aware in their responses to such queries.
And, sorry to spoil your miscaricature, but all my policy positions are based on "reason and rational thought," William.
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