PDF Searching for Virginia Dare: On the Trail of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island by Marjorie Hudson in History

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For the first time in human history; a significant percentage of the world’s population no longer believes in God. This is especially true in developed nations; where in some societies nonbelievers now outnumber believers. Unless religion collapses completely; or undergoes a remarkable resurgence; countries across the globe must learn to carefully and effectively manage this societal mix of religious and irreligious. For in a world already deeply riven by sectarian conflict; this unprecedented demographic shift presents yet another challenge to humanity. Writing in an engaging; accessible style; philosopher and lawyer Ronald A. Lindsay develops a tightly crafted argument for secularism—specifically; that in a religiously pluralistic society; a robust; thoroughgoing secularism is the only reliable means of preserving meaningful democracy and rights of conscience. Contrary to certain political pundits and religious leaders who commonly employ the term secularism as a scare word; Lindsay uses clear; concrete examples and jargon-free language to demonstrate that secularism is the only way to ensure equal respect and protection under the law—for believers and nonbelievers alike. Although critical of some aspects of religion; Lindsay neither presents an antireligious tirade nor seeks to convert anyone to nonbelief; reminding us that secularism and atheism are not synonymous. Rather; he shows how secularism works to everyone’s benefit and makes the definitive case that the secular model should be feared by none—and embraced by all.