Our readings in this series are from the book, Understanding the Times Here is a brief excerpt from page 57:
“Happiness is not just a shape-shifting deity; he is also a throw-away god, like much else in our disposable generation. If at any time he fails to satisfy in his existing state, he can be traded in, reshaped, or replaced by the latest and hottest model of whatever might be passing for happiness; and the previous form of the deity has no say as to what his successor might be. Self alone determines the true nature of happiness. The goal of secular religion is the happiness of the self. The god of self demands his pleasure; and the god of happiness exists to provide it, whatever self may require.
“The confidence with which practitioners of the religion of secularism take to their calling each day is bolstered by the seemingly unlimited forms happiness can take. The fewer the boundaries defining the nature of happiness, the more adventuresome and determined the practitioners of secularism become in their quest to satisfy the god of self. Should one form proved to be a disappointment, more stand at the ready.
“The god of self seeks happiness; happiness realized brings satisfaction to the self. Together, these constitute the driving force of secular religion.”
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