2008-07-11 - Rider Down, NW11

As for the rest of your stuff on religion - erm, while I agree with you that the content of most religion is clearly irrational, the practice of using communally shared myths to maintain the cohesion of a group, enforce norms and provide a motivating force for collective action was, and still is, rational in a purely evolutionary sense

Agreed.

communities that work together effectively are more successful than those that don't. Admittedly we're still using mythologies created back when we were barely more than hunter-gatherers, but I guess that shows how effective they were.

Agreed.

Anyway, if you want people to stop believing in such superstitions you have to provide them with some other communal mythology to replace it,

I don't think I have stated that I would like people to do anything ! Perhaps my argument is a little too effete ? I would be horrified if these people lost their religion, it would be mayhem out there, the majority claim morality from god, god keeps them in check, provides moral guidance, I am often told that without faith there is nothing to stop you raping and killing, I would be horrified if this barrier was removed.

For god's sake keep them in their churches ! :)

Regardless, simply pointing at religious doctrine and saying 'it doesn't make sense' isn't going to make any religious person give up their faith.

Very true.