Secularism filling in holes in religion

Alain de Botton gave a TEDTalk called Atheism 2.0 and I commented just briefly on why you should see this talk just over a year ago. 

If you have not seen this talk, or if you do not remember what this talk is about, Botton has the thesis that the world is secularizing poorly and that secularism has holes in it. He goes on to argue that, of all sources, religion provides models for the secular world on filling in these holes. 

Imagine that. A secularist is looking at religion to help fill in the holes of the secular worldview. This is fantastic because he understands that every worldview has holes in it - including religious worldviews. Botton's humility to reach across the chasm (that has been created by fundamentalists on both sides) and incorporate some things from the "other" side is what we need more of. 

My question to us religious folk, can we do the same thing? Are we humble enough to recognize the holes in our worldview and look to models in secularism to fill in these holes? 

The next post (or 2) I will submit some thoughts. Leave some comments if you have anything to add!

The one superpower of pastors

Don't tell anyone I told you this, but pastors have a superpower. When we are ordained there is a whole "pastor's code" we have to sign that demands we not tell anyone about this superpower so few pastors will talk about what I am about to tell you as their superpower. But do not be fooled. Pastors have one superpower and it is our bread and butter. 

Listening. 

Were you expecting something cooler? Water to wine? Walking on water? Ability to find quarters behind people's ears? Sorry, nothing like that. But that does not mean that listening is not one of the most super of superpowers. 

Everyone needs someone to listen to them. Everyone. Even the hermits of our day talk to themselves or to God or to a volleyball (as science shows). 

Which is why when you come into contact with someone who will listen, you are drawn to them. You find something about them that is "warm" or "helpful" or "holy".  The power of listening is a very powerful power. Do not underestimate it. 

Recently I heard this TED Talk by Julian Treasure about listening. At the end he gives an acronym to remind people how to listen. I tweaked his acronym a bit because I think that listening is like exploring, which is why when I listen to others I work like NASA.

Nod, Affirm, Summarize and Ask.

Nodding your head goes a long way. Not like a bobble head. Just nod.

Affirm. Just say 'yes'.

Summarize what you have just heard - "so what I hear you saying is..."

Ask - Ask a question. Even if it is just in the ballpark of the conversation is good enough.

My generation's "Obamacare"

It has been said that Obamacare (The Affordable Healthcare Act) is the defining legislation. It is, for right or wrong, the bill that will define his legacy as President and perhaps even the entire decade in American politics. 

It seems that the history makers of the world have an issue that defines them for a period of time. Obama and health care, Red Sox and the "curse of the Bambino", Romo and "choking", Pollock and abstract expressionism, or Steve Urkel and his line.

Beyond the history-making people, even the common person has their "defining issue". The reason they are called "Hot Button issues" is because these are issues that a number of people have made into their "defining issue". 

And so, it is my prayer that the "defining issue" of my generation would be income inequality. 

Here are a few TED Talks that approach this subject in different ways:

How Economic Inequality Harms Society

Does Money Make You Mean

The Rise of The New Global Super Rich 

Stuff you should know any why - pt. 7 (final)

The Doubt Essential to Faith - TED Talk by Lesley Hazelton

You should know this not only because this Jewish woman writes a bio about Muhammad but because her overall point on why being without doubt is being a fundamentalist. 

I also wonder if there is much rage in the Muslim world toward this Hazelton in the same way there was in the Christian world toward Reza Aslan and his book Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth? Even though it is clear that what Hazelton expresses is that Muhammad had A LOT of doubt about his experience - which is counter to the dominate narrative about Muhammad and the faith of Islam on the whole, no? 

Enjoy!