Some scholars have been arguing that a civilizational clash between organized religions is the next step in human history.

Without the letters of condolence, telegrams of congratulations and even occasional postcards, the friendship of a separated friend is not a social reality. It has no existence without the rites of friendship. Social rituals create a reality which would be nothing without them.

Our technological infrastructure alienates us from each other. No need to form a workplace community, everybody there will be out in a year or two, and so will you, looking for a better place.

Every year the progress of advanced capitalist society makes our population consist of more and more isolates. This is because of the infrastructure of the economy, especially electronic communications.

I have increasingly, over the years, felt that religion today does our civilization more harm than good.

Enclave life becomes very tense, Even when they do elect a leader, the factions remain, with the threat of splitting off.

It seems true that the growth of science and secularism made organized Christianity feel under threat.