At the root of every human culture there is some kind of religion ~ a cultural system embodying a set of ideas which purports to interpret and represent the mysteries of life and the cosmos. Such systems of thought ~ together with their respective cultures they have engendered, have existed from at least the time of ancient Babylonia. Though religions may differ greatly with respect to their content; yet, in form they tend to be remarkably alike, i.e.: they typically involve a form of priesthood.
The contemporary religion of _____________ is no different. Allow me to explain what that is and why it matters.
It is first of all important to understand that a "religion" (or "religious system") does not necessarily involve any kind of a supernatural, divine Being. Systems of religion seek to provide a way of understanding the origins and meaning of life ~ with or without such divine Being(s). Religions seek to answer such questions as: What is the nature of Reality? Where did everything come from? Why are we here? What, exactly, are we? Are humans alone in the Universe? What is death? Can life be extended . . . indefinitely? Etc..
Look at those same questions, again. In the modern world, what "system" is it that seeks to provide answers to such questions as those above? In a word, it is Science. In the modern world, Science has become the dominant religion. [Some prefer to use the terms Secular Humanism ~ or Scientific Materialism; they are all equivalent in my opinion: for, they each and all employ the same means (Science) to the same Ends (the exaltation of Man)]. One could well argue that religion forms the basis for human society ~ since religion provides a seemingly cohesive way of perceiving the world including oneself as well as others.
Science is a religion ~ it is by far the predominant religion of America. Not unlike every other religion, Science involves a priesthood: its priests and priestesses are aptly called, "Scientists".
As it has happened throughout human history, members of the priestly class ~ that is, those who are supposed to be the experts and guardians of the dominant religion ~ have ever been recognized as authority figures within their respective societies. Scientists are the ruling hierarchy of their religion. Scientists ~ as priests of the religion Science, are widely revered not merely for their specialized knowledge. Moreover, Scientists have now come to be invested with very real, civil authority. In view of human history, it was inevitable that the priests of the new religion would be invested with civil power. The priesthood of every religion has always been closely aligned with civil power.
Science is the dominant religion in America. That fact is most important, for it alludes to the reality that Science has at length supplanted that religion (Christianity) which formerly supplied the body of thought that provided cohesion for American society. Over the course of the past century and more, in order as Christianity became less and less influential in society; Science, on the other hand, increased its power to influence society ~ both by apparent demonstration as well as (importantly) by means of state-controlled programs of indoctrination.
Christianity ~ in the sense of being foundational to American society ~ is now a relic of history.
The religion of Science is now the foundation of contemporary American society.
But does the new religion offer, in its body of teachings, a paradigm wherewith to construct a truly civil society? Consider what are some of the tenets of the new religion: abortion-on-demand (eugenics); euthanasia; trans-genderism; trans-humanism.... The list goes on and on and on.
We have recently gotten a little taste of what will likely be in store for this nation ~ when the priests of the new religion (Doctor So-and-so; Director Ad-Nauseam; Professor Knowitall) ascend the steps of the temple to issue their solemn decrees.
The visible "Church" in America is a dead letter. Nothing, until now, has so plainly shown that to be the case as has the current crisis. Honestly, I suspect that most churchgoers are inwardly glad it is so: for, now they have an excuse not to be bothered with attending to all of the ritual and pretension associated with that. I don't see many clamoring to get back to it.
I have long said that one of the greatest obstacles to successful Gospel preaching and witnessing, in America, is the visible (apostate) Church. Perhaps, with that hindrance removed, there may begin to open doors of opportunity to reach some for Christ, who ~ like the Jews of old, hitherto were prevented from entering the Kingdom of God by those very same religious leaders that were supposed to have shown them the way of salvation, but they did not.
Science is America's new religion. It has put ~ not Everyman, but only a chosen few, in the place of God. But beware! the gods of that religion are a capricious and unreasonable lot. Worse than that, they are fallen; they are "darkened in their understanding"; "alienated from the life of God"; "the servants of sin", who are "taken captive by [the devil] at his will"; "fierce"; "incontinent"; "despisers of those that are good"; "heady, high-minded"; whose "tender mercies are cruel".
But the true and living God still reigns over all the earth. We will commit ourselves to Him, and put our trust in Him.
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