tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190304989655261330.post3466469781431766666..comments2023-10-25T10:47:16.360+01:00Comments on GK Chesterton Society of Ireland: On Reverence and ReactionariesThe Irish Chesterton Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17423089604496089878noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190304989655261330.post-28961573566844495332010-10-31T15:13:18.823+00:002010-10-31T15:13:18.823+00:00Some good points here. You may recall how GKC back...Some good points here. You may recall how GKC backs up your point about blasphemy:<br /><br />Blasphemy is an artistic effect, because blasphemy depends upon a philosophical <br />conviction. Blasphemy depends upon belief, and is fading with it. If any one doubts this, let him sit down seriously and try to think blasphemous thoughts about Thor. I think his family will find him at the end of the day in a state of some exhaustion.<br />[GKC <i>Heretics</i> CW1:45]Dr. Thursdayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04666301445831509481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190304989655261330.post-86677761097177234372010-10-26T13:51:48.570+01:002010-10-26T13:51:48.570+01:00"This allows them to scorn but gives them the..."This allows them to scorn but gives them the protection of not being accountable for anything bad that has happened, past or present."<br /><br />I think that is very true, and it makes arguing with such people (and I would include liberals in general) very frustrating. Their own position is so minimalistic that it is eminently defensible, whereas someone who believes in some more concrete institution or developed doctrine-- a church or a nation, or the family, or a way of life-- is vulnerable on a hundred thousand points.<br /><br />"If the 'new atheists' and the more irreverent TV comics/jornalists had their way and they defeated the 'old' bulwarks of religion, nationalism and traditional family life they might find themselves in trouble. With no to aim their invective at, they could well end up hating themselves."<br /><br />I think this might have happened already...Maolsheachlannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09406722311993627528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5190304989655261330.post-40494040973170634172010-10-26T13:02:44.409+01:002010-10-26T13:02:44.409+01:00"Unlike their targets, they have no centre of..."Unlike their targets, they have no centre of gravity of their own."<br /><br />This is true. More often than not irreverence deals in destroying, mocking and criticising. It is so easy to destroy, but yet so hard to build and be constructive.<br /><br />Many of the 'irreverent' who destroy or mock do not have an alternative, do not propose or practice a coherent value system of their own that others can relate to in large enough numbers to agree a shared culture or society.<br /><br />Many who would currently abolish religion or scorn nationalism might label themselves as Atheist, Humanist or Darwinist. This allows them to scorn but gives them the protection of not being accountable for anything bad that has happened, past or present. <br /><br />If the 'new atheists' and the more irreverent TV comics/jornalists had their way and they defeated the 'old' bulwarks of religion, nationalism and traditional family life they might find themselves in trouble. With no to aim their invective at, they could well end up hating themselves.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04120985813781347790noreply@blogger.com