Faith and Will

'An analysis of the “No Religion” responses over time shows a steady increase from 1 in 5 Kiwis in 1991, to 1 in 4 in 1996, and 1 in 3 at the last census in 2006. This growing rejection of religion is by far the most significant trend in the religious affiliation responses over this period.'

We Kiwi's love statistics - especially when they are easy to absorb. And 1:5, 1:4 then 1:3 seems to have a sort of inevitable logic to it.

In fact what are we measuring? The decline of religion in New Zealand could be an increase in sectarian values replacing religion. But I do not think that is what is at work here.

It is the acts of the apostate.

The acts of the Sunni Terrorist mob that tore down the twin towers. Yes - we have heard all the conspiracy theories that Bush did it himself, but we doubt that to be the case. Bush is one of those who replaced life long problems with faith.

And it is that creature that makes up the 60% not included in 1:3

That creature is the person who can not maintain their own will regardless of the state of their faith in their maker. It is in essence an existential problem - how can they be made without a maker? The person can not exert their will as it has no direction.

The solution is to construct values, and there is nothing wrong with that. It is every bit as healthy to inform yourself that your neighbour may have other customs to you, but he can still be your neighbour, if not your brother.

If you do not have to lay your faith out in a prescribed fashion as a demanding religion demands then what will you do with your will? We must replace our faith with values, with liberty to employ others and resources, so that we may create our own world within the world. But faith sates this thirst for the many.

It will always be like this.

The majority need a faith or their world values are no longer supported. The world would not make much sense. Secular worlds require more will and skill to maintain. A secular monarchy is rare as it is liable to end suddenly.