In an article in New American in December 2003, Steve Bonta described Epicureanism thus:
Epicureans believe in an impersonal, indifferent Supreme Being, a universe devoid of spirituality, the absence of an afterlife, and belief that happiness is attained by the pursuit of pleasure. These beliefs cannot be reconciled with that piety and self- restraint so necessary to self-government. (my italics)
In other words we have to be pious (why?), and only religion gives us self-restraint (why?). He thinks we are incapable of working out a moral code without the benefit of priestly input or dire threats of everlasting punishment in the hereafter (why?). This underestimates the ability of human beings to think for themselves. I would remind Mr. Bonta that Catholicism at one point ended up seeming to advocate being miserable (no sex, please) and obeying the powers that be in return for hope of a life in the next world, replete with choirs and harps! In short, his words imply the idea that only threats can make us responsible citizens and decent, caring neighbors. I have to admit that people have to be educated and encouraged to think for themselves – for some it doesn’t come naturally. But why let the priest think for you?
Steve Bonta comes from a long line of people who:
(a) Mischievously misrepresent Epicurean teachings about pleasure (nothing to do with gorging yourself and drinking yourself under the table).
(b) Ignore the things done in the name of religion for thousands of years. Organized religion is increasingly associated with tribalism and human division. Pope Francis is a good man, but even he has a huge job when you consider that 30% of so-called “millenials” in the US are unaffiliated with any religion whatsoever, a growing proportion, and only 36% describe themselves as religious. There is a reason for that.
(c) Fail to recognise the role of religions as essential props of regimes throughout history. (“Sorry you and your kids are starving, but think of your reward in Heaven. Now pay your taxes, or else!”, intones the clergyman from the pulpit. “Obey the law and cause no problems”). One can do better than that!
..”mischievously represent Epicurean teachings..”
Steve Bonta is not the only one to mischievously represent.
The teachings of a first century very wise man/prophet has been misrepresented by power hungry men ( women haven’t had much say in anything until recently) all down the ages.
I imagine Jesus of Nazareth scratching his head in disbelief and frustration at the monolithic and controlling religious organisations set up in His name. He, after all came to tell us to free ourselves from the Law which bound the people of the time in senseless rules and rituals. “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” is one such example.
“Love one another, and Treat people as you would have them treat you” is His message, already proclaimed by such wise men as Confucious and Buddha.
His message of love and Grace is lost in the murky waters of religiosity.
Fortunately I believe there still to be people who cut the c*ap
and have decided to live by His message of Love and peace rather than, as you point out , tribalism which leads to human division.