Very interesting read. Do you think an identity vacuum could also apply, rather than a crisis? As in, the identity becomes the answer to a sudden self-questioning?
Thank you for this thoughtful, concise analysis of what seems to drive the surge in trans identity among youth in the past couple of decades. Existential crises have surely existed before, but today, thanks to successful activism, trans identity is a ubiquitously available answer to such experiences.
While I (as a lifelong atheist/agnostic) don't agree with your conclusion that one must turn to traditional theistic religion to redirect one's spiritual quest, I fully concur with your analysis that gender identity ideology fills a void that can alternatively (and less harmfully) be filled by another religion. Richard Dawkins, as you surely know, has suggested this as well, albeit without coming to the same conclusion.
Those who are not inclined to convert to a traditional religion or are unable to believe in God may have a harder time figuring out how to find meaning and community. That is the spiritual challenge of the atheist. Eastern philosophy seems like the most viable alternative, and meditation groups are the closest one might come in finding the community a church might provide. I don't have an answer and can't claim to have found a clear path myself, and it is possible that the psychological profile of those who do fall for gender identity ideology means that they would be more open to traditional religious beliefs than I could ever be.
Very interesting read. Do you think an identity vacuum could also apply, rather than a crisis? As in, the identity becomes the answer to a sudden self-questioning?
Yes, I think that’s a good point. An identity vacuum is in a way a crisis of its own kind.
Excellent, thank you
Thank you for this thoughtful, concise analysis of what seems to drive the surge in trans identity among youth in the past couple of decades. Existential crises have surely existed before, but today, thanks to successful activism, trans identity is a ubiquitously available answer to such experiences.
While I (as a lifelong atheist/agnostic) don't agree with your conclusion that one must turn to traditional theistic religion to redirect one's spiritual quest, I fully concur with your analysis that gender identity ideology fills a void that can alternatively (and less harmfully) be filled by another religion. Richard Dawkins, as you surely know, has suggested this as well, albeit without coming to the same conclusion.
Those who are not inclined to convert to a traditional religion or are unable to believe in God may have a harder time figuring out how to find meaning and community. That is the spiritual challenge of the atheist. Eastern philosophy seems like the most viable alternative, and meditation groups are the closest one might come in finding the community a church might provide. I don't have an answer and can't claim to have found a clear path myself, and it is possible that the psychological profile of those who do fall for gender identity ideology means that they would be more open to traditional religious beliefs than I could ever be.