Every city is religious by nature because the human person, and thus human community, is naturally, essentially, and unavoidably religious. Such a claim should not be controversial, but because we are tempted to see political culture in a liberal frame which pretends to religious neutrality or indifference, it is a claim which I would like to present at greater length than I normally would by dwelling first on the place of religion in the ancient city. By doing so, it will become clear that the ancient, and thus pre-liberal, way of conceiving the city was ineluctably religious, and so we must never ask whether a city is secular or religious; rather, the only question we must ask is whether the religion of the city is true or false.
Jan 24, 2022Liked by The Postliberals, C.C. Pecknold
Great article. I never considered the fundamental nature of cities, and how whether we realize it or not they are religious in form, whether we recognize the religion or not.
Very good article. Sounds a lot like what Rushdoony wrote in his books just on behalf of Protestantism. It is what Juan Donoso Cortes wrote from the Catholic Faith. It is also what the great Christopher Dawson said in several of his books on the essential bond between religion and culture/civilization/city. We just need to read those who have gone before us.
This article is a good summary of what past thinkers have already written but needs a constant restating.
Bravo! Brilliant, and very inspiring. I'm very happy to find more and more kindred thinkers and writers here on Substack, God bless you!
Great article. I never considered the fundamental nature of cities, and how whether we realize it or not they are religious in form, whether we recognize the religion or not.
So help me God.
Very good article. Sounds a lot like what Rushdoony wrote in his books just on behalf of Protestantism. It is what Juan Donoso Cortes wrote from the Catholic Faith. It is also what the great Christopher Dawson said in several of his books on the essential bond between religion and culture/civilization/city. We just need to read those who have gone before us.
This article is a good summary of what past thinkers have already written but needs a constant restating.