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DB Forum 4
Alyssa Kilcrease
CSTU 101
Discussion Board 4

The Enlightenment of the 18th century greatly shaped the world we live in today. By drawing some examples from the textbook, describe two ways that the values and beliefs of people today reflect the ideas of the Enlightenment. Would you describe this influence as good or bad?
An example of the way values and beliefs of people today has reflected the ideas of Enlightenment would be; how the Catholic Church views the Virgin Mary. Although they are very religious, they have missed who we really should be focusing all of our attention to, Jesus! “They have swapped out a religious icon for a new God.” The Catholic Church also relies on “good works”, and how that is the ticket to getting them to Heaven. Although it is good for everyone to do good works for the Lord, we simply cannot go to Heaven without a savior, without the blood of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this belief isn’t just the Catholic Church; it is all around the world.
Another example that Michael A. Babcock pointed out is, “how you can’t call it “Christmas” in a public place anymore.” I hear so many “Merry X-Mas and Happy Holidays”, you hardly ever hear “Merry CHRIST-mas.” There is a gradual decrease in the amount of true spiritual celebrations we have in this country today. It is truly heartbreaking to see.
Enlightenment thinkers often attacked religious institutions, and the idea that concepts should be accepted without question. They often would criticize the way humans practiced their religion. Because of this, I believe this influence is bad. “Enlightenment philosophers believed that reason and science were the foundation of truth for modern man; tradition and faith were increasingly being rejected as superstition.”

(Word Count, 291)

Babcock, Michael A., and Matthew D. Pamer. The Story of Western Culture. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

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