In his latest post, Andrew Sullivan essentially concedes the debate to Sam Harris. It's a pretty amazing response considering how tooth and nail I expected the argument to be. Maybe he thinks he's taking the higher ground. I don't know.
It's clear that Sullivan is sincere in his Catholicism, and I suppose he should be commended for being honest. He's not trying to win the debate, he's just trying stick up for his beliefs.
But what he also makes clear, is that his religious belief is entirely personal. It is based on his own emotional and intellectual make-up as well as his personal history and the shared beliefs of the community he came from. Nothing more.
It's a very human thing. To make these attachments to loved ones, ideas, beautiful things, and beautiful sounds.
I love my family, The Smiths, James Joyce, and OSU Football. Rational? No. Religious? No. Human? Yes.
And there you have it. Sullivan can't defend religion, but he can defend his unique humanity. And that is the great achievement of the debate.
Congratulations to Sam Harris.
