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problems in claiming that a doctrine is based on divine revelation, as there is no independent way to verify that such a revelation has occurred. It is from this point that the reason in the eponymous sub-title of the book is given: "God cannot tell us what to do because, among other reasons, we are
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that such a requirement is too much of a burden to religious believers: "Most believers, like everyone else, live day-to-day in a secular world, a world in which we have no trouble communicating about natural phenomena...You don't need a Bible to conclude that if all humans are mortal, and
Socrates
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are the importance of secular government in a religiously pluralistic society and the independence of morality from theistic or religious belief. In support of the first theme, Lindsay argues that with different religious sects competing for membership and space in a democratic society, a common
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noted
Lindsay's contention that non-believers are seen as immoral: "here are no statistical numbers to back this claim, however, weakening Lindsay's assertion." Frost concludes that "hile Lindsey's premise is sound, he spends too much time condemning aspects of religion, perhaps at the risk of
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magazine, Jason
Henninger comments that the writing is clear and well-ordered, and respectful of people with differing views. In his opinion, Lindsay "offers clear and succinct counterarguments , going so far as to say that morality and religion are in fact separate concerns and that secular
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is human, then
Socrates is mortal. So secular language is spoken by believers already; they just have to apply it to public policy issues." In support of the second major theme of his book, the independence of morality from theistic or religious belief, Lindsay emphasizes the
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in government is the best solution to the problems posed by a society with differing and incompatible perspectives on religion, and that for democratic discourse to be successful, religious doctrines need to be kept out of public policy discussions.
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not able to recognize a command from God. Because God cannot effectively communicate with us, we cannot base morality on his commands."
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to discuss the book and gave a lecture on its themes at
Freethought Arizona. In addition, an excerpt was featured on
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alienating those whom he hopes to sway. Targeted toward those interested in how religion and politics interact."
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on the topic "Resolved: Religion Should Have No Place in
Government," which touched on a key theme in his book.
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blog. In
November 2016, Lindsay debated Elizabeth Bruenig, a liberal Christian writer and activist, at the
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societies protect religious practitioners, whereas theocratic societies persecute the unorthodox."
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and its themes in public. He appeared on the
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Lindsay giving a lecture on "The
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Frost, Angela (2015). "Review: The
Necessity of Secularism".
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The Necessity of Secularism: Why God Can't Tell Us What to Do
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The Necessity of Secularism: Why God Can't Tell Us What to Do
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