We begin Part 1, The Work of Reform. Over the coming episodes we will be exploring the dynamics at play that caused a flurry of movements that set out to "remake" society, rather than acceptance of the stability of how things were.

In this episode we begin Chapter 1, the Bulwarks of Belief. Belief was held in place by three key fortresses, and as each of these began to be taken out from the wall and examined, suddenly the pastures outside belief became a possibility. In 500 years Western society went from Christian faith for the masses to a state where even the Christians remaining cannot help but be posed with the question of why they choose faith when there are so many other viable options; questioning has become inescapable. The next few episodes will delve deeper into each of these bulwarks.

Reflections:

• How did I end up with the beliefs I have about God and the world? What keeps me here? What is the reason for the hope that I have?

References:

Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor: (25-26)

Cartoons: https://sites.google.com/view/contemplatingculture