The World Needs Religion Even if it Doesn't Need God
b'God is dead and man has no need of the myths and false consolation that religion offers. That\\u2019s the battle-cry of Richard Dawkins and other tough-minded critics of religion. And yet millions cling to their faith, finding value and meaning in the concepts and rituals they adhere to. But is this dichotomy all we have to choose from \\u2013 prostration or denigration? \\n\\nSome would argue that there\\u2019s another way, that it\\u2019s possible to remain an atheist and still make use of certain ideas and practices of religion that secular society has failed to engender \\u2013 the promotion of morality and a spirit of community, for example, and the ability to cope with loss, failure and our own mortality. But is this \\u201creligion for atheists\\u201d something that would ever catch on? Without belief in the numinous and some form of authority wouldn\\u2019t it all fall apart? And do atheists really need sermons and reminders to be good?\\n\\nArguing against this motion in this debate from January 2012 were philosopher and author Alain de Botton and... Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/intelligencesquared.\\n \\n\\xa0See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices'