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Re:Gallup: U.S. church membership dips below 50% for first time by shireboy on Monday March 29, 2021 @10:08AM (#26621791)
I haven't read Feser, but I do agree there is a huge gap between, say, the theology and level of discourse of C.S.Lewis and Tolkein and popular megachurch pastors. Culturally it's interesting to me - all but the most die-hard atheist will likely see some value and truth in Tolkein's work even if they disagree with his theology and choice of church. They may not agree, but would respect him. Where are today's Inklings?
Re:Gallup: U.S. church membership dips below 50% for first time by luxuryballs on Monday March 29, 2021 @11:28AM (#26623203)
Speaking of CS Lewis, everyone should read his cosmic trilogy. It’s so astounding that I’m surprised it didn’t get the attention that the Narnia books did, and the third book is on par with 1984 and Brave New World, written as a modern fairy tale yet also as a sci-fi in the tradition of HG Wells.

It’s such a good series and probably paints a better understanding of what a fallen world means and what a proper relationship with God is like, yet using sci-fi literalism instead of religious dogma.

Re:Gallup: U.S. church membership dips below 50% for first time by shireboy on Monday March 29, 2021 @12:38PM (#26624427)
Yes! Some of my favorite, and definitely less well known than Narnia.
Re:Gallup: U.S. church membership dips below 50% for first time by __aintit__ on Monday March 29, 2021 @10:23AM (#26622046)
>Where are today's Inklings?

As someone who has read and studied the Inklings extensively, I think the fact that these few misfit professors had such an impact is astounding in that they were able to do it.

To be clear - their level of thought and depth was immense and powerful. All impact is merited. I think these sorts of collections of intellectual individuals are not as rare as we might think; they just don't break out into wider society in the way (in particular) Lewis and Tolkien did.

The average person of today (anecdotal citation here) is less read, less cultured, less knowledgeable of language, history, religion, philopsophy, and literature than the average person of yesteryear. Maybe this has something to do with it.

Re:Gallup: U.S. church membership dips below 50% for first time by Robotbeat on Monday March 29, 2021 @11:02AM (#26622748)
The Inklings were overall extremely well-read and literate. Literally professors on mythology, linguistics/etc. Not necessarily fair to compare the general population to them. ;)
Re:Gallup: U.S. church membership dips below 50% for first time by cmrdporcupine on Monday March 29, 2021 @05:22PM (#26628321)
The average person of that time was far less educated. Because only the elite went to university.