Journal Entry #2 (Smith, 47-78)

Within this specific selection from James K. A. Smith's How (Not) To Be Secular, he continues to analyze the evolution of religion over an extended period of time. Through the process of immanentization, in which meaning lies within an enclosed and self-sufficient society without reference to transcendence, humanity has shifted its focus from religion to reason. Originally, intellectual elites, leaders and scholars sought out to explain the ultimate plan for humanity (in which our success isn't accessible in our material world); however, through the work of Adam Smith and John Lock, among others, the notion of human flourishing was developed (in which our success is accessible in our material world). As a result of the multitude of options which exist for us to express our faith, our own system of beliefs, personal convictions and values are called into question. Countless citizens are caught inside of a web of cross pressures, which impedes their ability to come to terms with their individual identity (in regards to religious affiliation). As a devout Catholic, sometimes I find it fairly difficult to deal with the problems plaguing mainstream society. While I am inclined to act in a certain way, the Catholic Church is comprised of a set of standards, which are to be adhered to at all times. Moreover, I must admit the relative difficultly in growing in my faith because of the cross pressures that affect my existence on a daily basis; however, this doesn't deter me from passionately pursuing the truth (which I firmly believe I've found through Catholicism). Although I fell away from my faith in high school to focus on other activities (academics, athletics, etc.), I deeply desired to come back to it. Recently, I became a part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at Thomas More College. By participating in this process, I intend to increase my level of faith and involvement in the Catholic Church. I may be deeply influenced by the process of fragilization, but I couldn't be more confident in pursuing objective truth within Catholicism.