Vol. 17 No. 4 1950 - page 333

RELIGION AND THE INTELLECTUALS
333
Add to these factors that the most powerful agencies in our
lay society are friendly to religion. This has been more or less true
ever since the emergence of a socialist movement early in the
nineteenth century. Conservative elements in the democratic states
recognize the value of the churches in maintaining the existing order;
and the churches have been able in turn to exert great pressure
upon liberal politicians. We have seen this particularly in the policy
of Roosevelt with regard to the Spanish Republic during the Civil
War, a policy that contributed to the fascist victory. The official
recognition of religion has affected the prevailing attitude, at least
in public life. Mter the searching investigation to which religions
were submitted during the nineteenth century-and this had a
wholesome effect on religious minds, compelling them to be less
dogmatic and to examine the grounds of their beliefs-the criticism
of religion has declined. It is not good form to discuss religion critical–
ly within the cultured world; but educated clergymen do not hesitate
to insult unbelievers. (I remember one who in public attributed the
surprise attack on Pearl Harbor to the influence of John Dewey's
teachings upon Japanese students.) It is good form, however, to
"appreciate" religion, without believing in God or accepting the
discipline of a church. Religion now has its fellow-travelers.
It should be said for them that religion has still something to
offer, even though its doctrines are unconvincing. In the emptiness
of personal life, a sincere religious faith may introduce for some
individuals energizing goals, steadfastness, and a style of life superior
to most current secular standards. This is especially true among the
smaller sects. Religion retains in its present decadence some traces of
an older dignity, which is not simply that of religion as such, but of
a past society where religion had once flourished and from which it
derived humane qualities and finely ordered forms, like the noble
buildings that the cults have inherited in Europe, but can no longer
equal in their new constructions. Religious people in the past have
had to meet difficult situations, like those of our time, and in doing
so have produced a literature of self-avowal which will move a
sensitive unbeliever. The religions were important in maintaining
and promoting secular values, although at a great cost, for they
also promoted superstition, insane asceticism, fear and self-hatred.
They helped tide mankind over rough periods by teaching patience,
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