Boambee John
 June 21, 2024 1:10 pm

Can’t be bothered going back to read all the nested comments, has mUntyfa yet posted his detailed rebuttal of the comments on nuclear power generation by the ex-ANSTO man? (See link by Rosie at 2158 yesterday.)

No.
But he has got a cartoon of a three-eyed fish.

An interesting article on the effects of the decline of religion in the West.

Religious Decline Mirrors the Rise and Fall of Civilisations Throughout History 
THE MODERN ENQUIRER
JUN 20

A decline in religion is a commonly cited phenomenon by historians when discussing periods of decadence. Throughout history, the strength or weakness of an empire has often been reflected in the strength or weakness of its religious institutions. 

When empires were strong, they typically provided support and protection to religious institutions, which in turn helped maintain social order and provide a sense of stability for the people.

However, as empires began to falter and corruption seeped into the fabric of their societies, the influence and authority of religious institutions often waned. This erosion of religious power frequently mirrored the broader societal decline, marked by increasing materialism, hedonism, and a loss of collective moral direction.
 
Examining historical examples such as the Roman Empire, the Arab Empire, and the impact of Christianity on Western political institutions reveals the intricate relationship between religious vitality and societal strength. 
This article explores how the rise and fall of religious fervour have shaped the destinies of civilisations and the lessons we can draw from these historical patterns.

The Roman Empire was deeply influenced by its religious beliefs. The Romans believed that their gods had granted them power and authority over the world, and this belief helped to legitimise the empire’s rule over the conquered peoples of Europe and the Mediterranean. As the empire grew stronger, so did the power of its religious institutions, which played a crucial role in maintaining social order and political stability.However, during the decline of the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, many people turned away from traditional Roman religious beliefs and practices in search of new spiritual ideas and practices. 

This period saw the rise of Christianity, which provided a new set of beliefs and practices that appealed to those disillusioned with the old order. The decline in traditional religious adherence was accompanied by increased hedonism and materialism, reflecting the broader societal decay.

During the Golden Age of Islam, from the 8th to the 13th century, religion was a driving force behind the empire’s expansion and success. The Islamic faith provided a unifying force for the diverse peoples within the empire’s borders, and the Muslim armies were often inspired by their religious beliefs to fight for their faith. However, the decline of the Arab Empire was accompanied by a decline in the power and influence of Islam as well. During the early period of Islamic conquests, the religion played a central role in creating a vast empire and unifying diverse peoples under a single faith. As the empire grew and became more corrupt, the ideals of Islam were often neglected, and the religion was used more as a tool to legitimise the rule of the ruling class.

Christianity has had a profound impact on Western civilisation, shaping its culture, values, and institutions. One of the most significant contributions of Christianity has been in the development of Western political institutions. 
The concept of the rule of law is deeply rooted in Christian teachings and has played a significant role in shaping Western political institutions. The idea that all individuals and institutions are subject to the same laws, without exception, derives from the Christian belief that God is the ultimate lawgiver, and that rulers are accountable to Him for their actions. 
This concept helped to establish the foundation of modern democracies, with their emphasis on the protection of individual rights and the importance of justice and equality under the law.

The influence of Christianity on the rule of law can be seen throughout history. For example, the Magna Carta, which established the principle that no one, including the king, is above the law, was heavily influenced by Christian thought. The document, which was signed in 1215 by King John of England, was in part a response to the Church’s demands for greater protection of individual rights and liberties.Christianity has also been instrumental in promoting the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The Christian belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being provided the foundation for the modern concept of human rights. 
This belief has also led to the development of democratic ideals and institutions, such as representative government and the separation of powers.

Education and science owe a significant debt to Christianity, as the religion has played a vital role in their development. Many of the earliest universities in Europe were founded by the Church, and Christian scholars played a significant role in the development of science and technology. 
The Catholic Church also played a significant role in the development of science during the Middle Ages. Many of the greatest thinkers of the time, including Thomas Aquinas, were also scientists who made significant contributions to the field. The Church sponsored research and experimentation in a variety of fields, including astronomy, medicine, and chemistry. The Catholic Church was responsible for the establishment of the first hospitals and medical schools in Europe, and many of the most influential scientific texts of the time were written by Church scholars.

Similarly, the Islamic Golden Age saw the establishment of medical schools that made important advances in medical knowledge and practice. The most famous medical school was the School of Jundishapur in present-day Iran, which existed during the Sassanian Empire and continued to thrive under Islamic rule. Medical education in the Islamic world emphasised empirical observation, clinical experience, and the translation of Greek, Persian, and Indian medical texts.Islamic scholars made significant contributions to various fields of science, including medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and optics. Scholars such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Al-Razi (Rhazes), and Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) authored influential medical texts and made groundbreaking discoveries that influenced later European scholarship during the Renaissance.

Decadence refers to a period of moral decline or excessive self-indulgence, often leading to the erosion of social norms and institutions. This phenomenon has been observed in various historical contexts and often coincides with the weakening of religious and moral values within a society. 
When traditional moral and religious values are neglected, society can lose its sense of purpose and direction, leading to an increase in hedonism and self-indulgence.

One of the most striking examples of decadence can be seen in the late Roman Empire. During this period, there was a marked decline in traditional Roman values such as duty, honour, and self-sacrifice. Instead, the ruling elite engaged in lavish displays of wealth and indulged in extravagant lifestyles, while the common people suffered from poverty and neglect. 
This moral decline was accompanied by political instability and corruption, as well as a weakening of the empire’s military and economic power. The loss of traditional Roman values and the rise of decadence contributed to the eventual collapse of the empire, as it became increasingly unable to defend itself against external threats or maintain internal cohesion.

The Renaissance and Reformation were periods of great cultural and intellectual flourishing, but they also saw a decline in religious and moral values. The Renaissance, which began in the 14th century, was characterised by a renewed interest in classical learning and the arts, but it was also a time of great social upheaval and moral laxity. 
The Church, which had long been the moral and spiritual authority in Europe, faced increasing criticism and corruption. The sale of indulgences, in which people could pay for the forgiveness of sins, was just one example of the moral decay within the Church. 

The Reformation, which began in the 16th century, was in part a response to this corruption and a call for a return to true Christian values. However, the religious wars that followed the Reformation further eroded traditional moral values and contributed to a period of great social and political instability.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was another period of great social and moral upheaval. The revolutionaries sought to overthrow the old order and create a new society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, in their quest for change, they also sought to eradicate traditional religious and moral values. The revolutionaries sought to establish a secular society free from the influence of the Church, leading to the persecution of religious institutions and the establishment of a new state-sponsored religion. This period of moral decline and social upheaval eventually gave way to the rise of Napoleon and the establishment of a new authoritarian regime.

In contemporary society, the decline of traditional religious and moral values can be seen in various aspects of modern life. The rise of consumerism and materialism, the decline of the family unit, and the increasing acceptance of behaviours that were once considered immoral are all signs of this moral decline. The weakening of religious and moral values contributed to the erosion of social norms and institutions, leading to increased social instability and a sense of purposelessness.

The relationship between religious decline and societal change has been a topic of scholarly debate, often highlighting how shifts in religious adherence can influence broader cultural and moral landscapes. When societies experience a decline in traditional religious practices and moral values, it frequently coincides with periods of societal turmoil and moral decay.
One notable example is the decline of religious practices in ancient Rome during its later years. As the Roman Empire expanded and became increasingly diverse, traditional Roman religious beliefs began to lose their prominence. This shift was accompanied by a growing sense of moral laxity and a focus on materialism and hedonism among the Roman elite. The decline in adherence to traditional religious values corresponded with social unrest and instability, contributing to the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Similarly, during the European Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a widespread questioning of religious authority and a movement towards secularism and rationalism. The emphasis on reason and scientific inquiry led to a decline in the influence of organised religion in European societies. This period also saw the emergence of new social and political ideologies that challenged traditional religious teachings, often resulting in societal divisions and conflicts.

In more recent times, the 20th century witnessed significant declines in religious observance in many Western societies, particularly in Europe and North America. This shift was accompanied by cultural movements advocating for individual freedoms and secular values, often critiquing religious institutions for perceived intolerance or outdated moral frameworks.

These societal changes contributed to debates over the role of religion in public life and its influence on moral decision-making.However, historical patterns also reveal that periods of moral and societal decay can prompt religious revivals and renewals. For instance, during the Great Awakening in 18th-century America, there was a widespread religious revival characterised by fervent preaching and a renewed emphasis on personal piety and moral rectitude. This religious awakening played a significant role in shaping American culture and identity, emphasising the importance of religious values in fostering social cohesion and moral responsibility.

Moreover, in contemporary contexts, there are examples of religious revivals emerging in response to perceived moral crises or societal challenges. In parts of Africa and Latin America, for instance, there has been a resurgence of religious adherence and spiritual fervour amidst economic instability and political uncertainty. Religious movements often provide communities with a sense of solidarity, moral guidance, and collective purpose during times of crisis.

The cyclical nature of religious decline and revival underscores the enduring significance of religious and moral values in maintaining societal stability and cohesion. While periods of religious decline can coincide with moral decay and social fragmentation, religious revivals have historically served as catalysts for moral renewal and societal regeneration. These cycles reflect the complex interplay between religious beliefs, cultural dynamics, and societal evolution, highlighting the ongoing relevance of religious traditions in shaping collective values and moral frameworks.

The Australian Spectator has some excellent articles in the current issue. Judith Sloan has a particularly good article on Dutton’s spunky move in support of nuclear energy.

Interesting the way they approach restaurant chain launches in the USA.
Years ago I had a connection with Knoxville, Tennessee.
It was considered a very typical middle American town, so anyone pitching for funding would set up a full scale restaurant there and run it for a period (I think there were a couple of other “trial towns”). If the live trial worked, you could take it to the bank to get funding to open a huge chain.
Of course, the Yanks love a chain.
Australians not so much.
It’s like beer. Aussies love being connoisseurs of craft beer. As soon as a craft brand is sold to Big Brewing, it’s over.

Food is like a coral reef – there are plenty of niches out there. We went to one of those TGI Fridays places in the UK in the mid 90s, basically one step above fast food but the Poms loved them. I think they cratered here in Oz. Likewise Starbucks and various other chains. I think the last WA Sizzler closed only this year.

There is a place for Mexican restaurants that do tequila shots out of old shotgun shells and no matter what you order it is all the same. The novelty wears off some time before your mid 20s.