Geoff Naylor (Letters, 29 November) speaks of the “sense of belonging” within faith communities, and of their “selfless collaboration for the inclusive good of one another”. But is this to do with faith, or with an intuitive tribalism?
Since different religions began to co-exist within communities, they have always defined their identity largely by what they are not – Christians aren’t pagans, Muslims aren’t Jews or Christians, Protestants aren’t Catholics, and so on, and the “sense of belonging” operates within the faith community. So is the “inclusive good” actually the “exclusive good”?
The only worldview that seeks to transcend this tribalism is secular humanism – we are all people, and no belief system is privileged over any other. This worldview is gaining (largely unacknowledged) acceptance – look at the way humanist models of wedding and funeral ceremonies have been increasingly aped by “secular” and religious celebrants. It is well on the way to becoming the “new normal”.
But what next? Are tribes so necessary that others will supersede the virtual humanist community, once there is no identifiable “other”? Who is going to pay good money to belong the Round Earth Society?
Charles Baily
Bedford
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