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lief-than Catholicism. But the practices of Protestant
Churches
when–
ever they enjoy a monopoly of religious control can be just as hostile to
democracy as those of any other religious theocracy.
It is perfectly possible to enjoy and celebrate Christmas without
believing in the existence of Santa Claus or the historicity of Christ.
So much I am sure you will grant. Why, then, deny the possibility of
loving one's country without succumbing to the vicious religion of
nationalism, or of believing in intelligence and democracy without
assuming that their use will transform men into Angels and the Earth
into Paradise? Enough that they make men and wciety more humane.
Sidney Hook
