If we take theology in its broadest sense of “how does an individual relate to the ineffable mystery of existence,” then all philosophic systems such as those of economics or government are as much “visions” as any religion from Animism to Zen. All rest on unprovable assumptions.
Are people naturally good or bad? Should we treat people in our tribe differently from those in others? Do markets work flawlessly? Is the best government the smallest? What are the limits of a person’s power, and does it depend on their social position? And on and on .
The days of full belief in the 19th century laissez-faire capitalism, or 20th century global corporate trade are rapidly vanishing in our brave new world. As have Marxism, communism, socialism and all the other artificially constructed economic or government theologies .
Nobody knows what will take their place. There’s a lot of noise in the electronic interconnected world, and a lot of chaos in the real climate challenged one. Prophets are many.
But one thing is absolutely clear. Recourse to reactionary theologies will be no more effective or useful than calling on Quetzalcoatl or invoking the Greek gods at Delphi. Those who cling to ancient absolute doctrines are usually the worst fanatics. Probably we can agree that fanatics are the one set of theologians who can kill us all .
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 