When the salt has lost its savor...

This is more evidence of the fractal nature of society's downward spiral into inter-sectional identity politics - a term that IDW members like Peterson use to describe an overarching trend. Institutions are using the excuse that they are merely unfortunate victims of this trend and need to protect themselves from controversy - which is a moronic stance to take for a place where controversial topics should be discussed. They are on the lookout now for an ever increasing number of "dangerous" associations - any of which might tarnish their reputation. It is cowardly. It is unworthy of an institution such as Cambridge.

To your point about "church", I don't know that I would consider the Faculty of Divinity a church - per se. That's not to say that church - especially the modern church in America - hasn't become impotent in providing spiritual goodness to people who have become consumers of "fast-food religion". But to use this particular event and this particular group of people to make a blanket statement about church not doing anything Godly is unfair, IMHO.

What the Cambridge Faculty of Divinity did in this case is definitely disgusting, and one could imagine this more likely happening at a "lesser institution". (Evergreen College)

Anyway... it will be interesting to see if the Faculty of Divinity changes its mind about Peterson. And if they do, will Dr. Peterson demonstrate the grace needed to accept the invitation a second time? That would be true humility.

@theanimalside, fair points. I, in my mini-rant focused on the institution of church as represented in each member of the church and each demonstrated behavior of that establishment church culture. I view this one more example of many where the church has dropped the ball and practiced church without the need to complicate it with all that God stuff. I don't know exactly what I am, but I consider myself part of the church--set outside, and I'm quite a harsh critic of the damage 'we've' done and continue to do. Every Christian (in this religion) reflects back on the church, and I'm always surprised (not sure why at this point) when God is so reduced as to be a bit of a sideshow. I mean, if you believe in God then believe it, and that will change the way you handle situations. Increasingly, but not just recently, it seems God's inconvenient--reminds me of the movies portraying the corrupt political power of the Catholic church--a church of God in name only, and containing all of the worst of humanity. While certainly sinners just like everyone else, I don't think the church should represent the worst of humanity. We have to do better than that. God's people should probably be Godly, and I have a whole host of lousy observations where we've gone wrong. It's an odd place judging and condemning with contempt judgement, condemnation, and contempt--but in full disclosure that's pretty much where I am. I don't know what to do with that. I tend to disengage and rant, because there doesn't seem to be a way to brand these ideas where 'the church' will even entertain them at a cursory level. As one person of 'the church', I look at all of the criticisms from the outside, and all I can say is, 'YES! That's right.' WE caused the backlash against us, and we call it persecution and somehow draw piety from it--amazing. Anyway, I woke up at 4:30am, and I don't even know if this makes sense. But, maybe that clarifies my position a little more.

@chuckpo

I woke up at 3:00 AM this morning, but I decided to do some work rather than post. I know I don't make sense at that hour.

I hear what you're saying. My favorite aphorism is "church would be perfect if it weren't for the people".

I think Dr. Peterson's take on personal responsibility applies here. One should "act as if God exists". As individuals, our faith walk should be a living example to others of our devotion to God and Godly ways. If my spiritual house is in order, I am more useful to my church community, and the church as a whole benefits from my demonstration of faith. To your point, people corrupt church. I don't think it's the other way around.

I don't care much for the modern Christian church in America, with it's need to be "mega" with highly-produced popular music that seems more like a performance - more like entertainment than worship. But I don't judge that. It may be exactly what the people attending those congregations need.

But to attend church service once a month or even once a week, then live a life of questionable ethics is way off the mark, and if that's where church is today, then yes - it makes church look bad.

Contemplative practice is leading my spiritual life these days, and it doesn't require "church", per se. The result is less frustration and a closer experience of God.

Church becomes tribal. I hate to say that, but people tend toward tribes. It's why there's over 3,000 denominations since the protestant reformation. I think as long as Judeo-Christian values and principles guide western society, it will last in some form other than complete chaos.

Ugh.... that's enough for now.