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The Secular Paradox (Secular Studies, 5)

Name: The Secular Paradox (Secular Studies, 5)
Price: 25.93 USD
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4.7 of 5 Stars: Atheism - The Secular Paradox (Secular Studies, 5)

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Book Synopsis: A radically new way of understanding secularism which explains why being secular can seem so strangely religious. For much of America’s rapidly growing secular population, religion is an inescapable source of skepticism and discomfort. It shows up in politics and in holidays, but also in common events like weddings and funerals. In The Secular Paradox, Joseph Blankholm argues that, despite their desire to avoid religion, nonbelievers often seem religious because Christianity influences the culture around them so deeply. Relying on several years of ethnographic research among secular activists and organized nonbelievers in the United States, the volume explores how very secular people are ambivalent toward belief, community, ritual, conversion, and tradition. As they try to embrace what they share, secular people encounter, again and again, that they are becoming too religious. And as they reject religion, they feel they have lost too much. Trying to strike the right balance, secular people alternate between the two sides of their ambiguous condition: absolutely not religious and part of a religion-like secular tradition.

Blankholm relies heavily on the voices of women and people of color to understand what it means to live with the secular paradox. The struggles of secular misfits—the people who mis-fit normative secularism in the United States—show that becoming secular means rejecting parts of life that resemble Christianity and embracing a European tradition that emphasizes reason and avoids emotion. Women, people of color, and secular people who have left non-Christian religions work against the limits and contradictions of secularism to create new ways of being secular that are transforming the American religious landscape. They are pioneering the most interesting and important forms of secular “religiosity” in America today.

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Unlock the mysteries of secularism with "The Secular Paradox". Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of why being secular can feel strangely religious in today's society. Discover how nonbelievers navigate a world deeply influenced by Christianity, and how they grapple with their desire to avoid traditional religious customs. This book offers a fresh perspective on the secular experience, incorporating insights from ethnographic research to shed light on the complexities of secular life in America. Are you ready to challenge your perceptions and delve into the secular paradox?

Delve into the fascinating world of secular activism and organized nonbelievers in the United States with "The Secular Paradox". Embark on a journey to understand the ambivalence of very secular individuals towards belief, community, ritual, conversion, and tradition. Through the diverse voices of women and people of color, this book presents a nuanced examination of what it means to live with the secular paradox. Gain a deeper understanding of how secular misfits are reshaping the American religious landscape and pioneering innovative forms of secular "religiosity". Are you prepared to embrace a new way of thinking about secularism?

Join the conversation on secularism and religion with "The Secular Paradox". Joseph Blankholm's compelling insights challenge conventional notions of secularism and offer a fresh perspective on how secular individuals navigate a society deeply rooted in Christian influences. Through engaging narratives and ethnographic research, explore the evolving landscape of secularism in America and the transformative power of embracing a new secular tradition. Are you ready to expand your horizons and explore the complex interplay between religion and secularism?

Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of secularism? Dive into "The Secular Paradox" to unravel the complexities of being secular in a society shaped by religious influences. Gain valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of secular misfits and discover how they are redefining what it means to be secular in America today. Take the first step towards embracing a new perspective on secular "religiosity" and join the movement towards a more inclusive and understanding society. Click here to grab your copy now!

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