Ah, yes, European Exceptionalism, that stalwart justifier or Colonialism, Sexism, and Racism, retreaded as Christian Exceptionalism.

Ecclesiastes got that right, at least; nothing new under the sun.

Thanks for the kind words, Kevin.

Looking at the life stories of the Buddha, Epicurus, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Spinoza, I suspect that a deep and abiding peace can be found in the naturalistic philosophies. I found very little peace in the Catholic Church during the darker moments of my life.

Carl Sagan? It would look exceedingly worse. I don't think secularism is much of a philosophy. Most of what is good about it was rooted in Christianity. Those parts are likely to diminish and it is likely to reduce to nihilism. I don't think nihilism is a livable philosophy. So where does it go? Something will come and fill the void. Some will turn to Catholicism. Islam might do very well because it offers strength or it might decline as the history of Islam and the Koran are scrutinized. Not sure. I just think secularism has no chance because it offers nothing of its own. No meaning to life, no hope in death, no moral goodness to strive for, man just needs those things.

Ah, yes, discussion but always and only on your terms.

So tender. It takes so little for you to cry foul.

But, please, enjoy your time with your chums.

Withdrawn as is your pleasure. Adieu.

I've flagged your comment as it appears to be personally abusive. You seem to be making judgments about my interior thoughts and motivations rather than focusing on arguments and evidence.

He is the object of your amusement.

No, you are the object of my amusement. Kevin is one of the most cordial, most effective, and most knowledgeable defenders of Catholic "orthodoxy" on this site and has been since (I believe) its inception. Although I have many disagreements with Kevin, he has my total respect. On the other hand, you show up out of nowhere and accuse Kevin of being near blasphemy and utter nonsense like this:

You've got Stockholm syndrome. Hanging out with atheists as much as you do is starting to affect your ability to think like a Catholic. You'd better put an hour a day in with the Church Fathers or St. Thomas for the next month, fast from posting for a year, and call me in the morning.

You owe Kevin an apology. It is difficult for me to see how someone with your attitude could draw anyone to Catholicism. You are much more likely to drive people away.

I completely agree.

He is putting his immortal soul in danger for out of love for you. You aught wake up to that fact and thank him. Instead it amuses you. He is the object of your amusement. I don't know what you intend by such a deplorable treatment of another to be but it certainly isn't friendship.