I specifically think Chapter 2 is worth reading as a stand alone. The historical development of how we understand ourselves (rest of the book) is also brilliant and worthy, but it will appeal to less people. Even ahistorical people will enjoy Chapter 2 iirc.
I don't think I ever got completely through A Secular Age. I get too wrapped up in processing thoughts from a few chapters, so I feel unready to tackle more! I will never think about "the secular" in the same way again. It reminds me of Ricoeur's second naivete. Secularity is not anti-religious. It just changes completely the way you have to "be" religious (if you are).
I specifically think Chapter 2 is worth reading as a stand alone. The historical development of how we understand ourselves (rest of the book) is also brilliant and worthy, but it will appeal to less people. Even ahistorical people will enjoy Chapter 2 iirc.
I don't think I ever got completely through A Secular Age. I get too wrapped up in processing thoughts from a few chapters, so I feel unready to tackle more! I will never think about "the secular" in the same way again. It reminds me of Ricoeur's second naivete. Secularity is not anti-religious. It just changes completely the way you have to "be" religious (if you are).