God and Derb

John Derbyshire's description of his religious beliefs correspond pretty closely to mine. I find my faith fading away. In terms of religion, I grew up as an Episcopal, just as Derbyshire was raised as an Anglican, so it's doubtful that I could ever become a fanatic fundamentalist. I find it more and more difficult to say that I believe that Jesus performed miracles and rose from the dead. As far as religions go, however, I think that Northern European Protestantism is a beneficial one. It's certainly preferable to Islam. It's possible that religion is necessary for civilization to develop. Every major civilization of which I am aware has been religious to some degree. However, I don't think the substance of any religion can compete with science, which is not perfect but describes the world in a much accurate and useful way.

It's interesting that Derbyshire begins his essay by asking himself if he is a Christian, the same question that caused Andrew Sulivan to charge Hugh Hewitt with holding an inquisition. Derbyshire answers the question with openness and honesty.