More than three centuries ago, the philosopher Pierre Bayle scandalized the educated world by contending that there was no necessary connection between religion and morality, and that atheists could be as good citizens as Christians. Now comes a paper (based on survey research) out of Harvard and the University of Helsinki purporting to show the same thing. In the America of Sarah Palin, the claim may be as scandalous as ever. It’s also worth discussing.
Bayle’s Challenge
More than three centuries ago, the philosopher Pierre Bayle scandalized the educated world by contending that there was no necessary connection between religion and morality, and that atheists could be as good citizens as Christians. Now comes a paper (based on survey research) out of Harvard and the University of Helsinki purporting to show the […]
