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Redefining Reality - The Intellectual Implications of Modern Science

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In such a case, the irrational seems rational. We know how we are<br />

supposed to live, but we also know that we cannot live that way.<br />

Perhaps the only answer is suicide. Suddenly, the inscrutable<br />

becomes understandable.<br />

<strong>The</strong> reason we see the stark difference in the suicide rates<br />

between Catholics and Protestants is not a theological<br />

difference but a function <strong>of</strong> the greater integration <strong>of</strong> Catholics<br />

into their familial and institutional structures than was found<br />

among Protestants.<br />

<br />

<strong>The</strong>re was a sense <strong>of</strong> comfort from being within the group that<br />

Catholics were more likely to have and, thus, more alienation<br />

among members <strong>of</strong> the Protestant community—more anomie<br />

and more suicides.<br />

<br />

Easy Rider<br />

<br />

<br />

© wasan gredpree/iStock/Thinkstock.<br />

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