In this first clip, Professor Lloyd Geering makes the point that since the Enlightenment, everyone is a heretic as we are all free to think for ourselves – we are all free thinkers – and make our own choices accordingly. As he points out “We are encouraged to think for ourselves” [3:08], but who are the “we” he’s referring to?
The nation of Aotearoa New Zealand had its formative years at the height of the Enlightenment, and this country has always had a significant number of individuals and leaders who were Free Thinkers, atheists and agnostics, as well as those of assorted religious traditions. Our isolation from the rest of the world meant we developed an individualistic attitude to living, with a very egalitarian attitude towards authority. Certainly there’s no doubt that Professor Geering is referring to Kiwis when he says we are encouraged to think for ourselves, but to what extent can the same be applied to other nations – especially when it comes to religion.
From this relatively remote corner of the world, I see vast regions of the globe where people seem to be discouraged from thinking for themselves – especially in the way of religion. I blink in amazement when American bloggers, while confessing their atheism anonymously online, are extremely reluctant to come out to friends, family and community about their lack of faith for fear of a backlash. Reminds me of those being reluctant to come out as gay in the 1970s and early 80s. I would like to think their fears are more imaginary than real, but the stories told are too consistent for that. Perhaps after the dark ages being brought on by the Trump administration, America will make a more rapid swing towards liberalism.
Early on on the clip, Professor Geering describes his understanding of God – not a supernatural being, but a set of values that include truth, justice, love and compassion. On that matter, he and I agree completely.
Another Spectrum 
27 Jan, 2017 at 2:54 am
My working definition for a heretic is one who opposes the priestly class.
In most places, Barry, religion is taught as fact. There is little to no discussion about it. You are told as a child god loves you and yours is the true religion and one grows up as adult believing the same thing.
The US of A leaves me perplexed most of the time. They say it is the land of the free while so many of them cannot openly say they are non believers. It’s inconceivable.
27 Jan, 2017 at 12:35 pm
America being “The land of the free” is a myth, just like most of the stories in the Bible. Unfortunately American Fundies believe the myths are factual.
27 Jan, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Hahah, you are right Barry