The World Needs Religion Even if it Doesn't Need God

The World Needs Religion Even if it Doesn't Need God

God is dead and man has no need of the myths and false consolation that religion offers. That’s 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 – prostration or denigration? Some would argue that there’s another way, that it’s possible to remain an atheist and still make use of certain ideas and practices of religion that secular society has failed to engender – 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 “religion for atheists” something that would ever catch on? Without belief in the numinous and some form of authority wouldn’t it all fall apart? And do atheists really need sermons and reminders to be good? Arguing 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episoder(1535)

Lyse Doucet on Reporting from the Frontlines (Part Two)

Lyse Doucet on Reporting from the Frontlines (Part Two)

As the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet has witnessed and reported on some of the most consequential events of our time. She has reported from Afghanistan since 1988, during the So...

23 Okt 202538min

Lyse Doucet on Reporting from the Frontlines (Part One)

Lyse Doucet on Reporting from the Frontlines (Part One)

As the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet has witnessed and reported on some of the most consequential events of our time. She has reported from Afghanistan since 1988, during the So...

21 Okt 202536min

An Evening with Dan Jones on War, Plague and Lion Hearts (Part Two)

An Evening with Dan Jones on War, Plague and Lion Hearts (Part Two)

‘Unforgettable characters, written with irrepressible verve and historical accuracy [...] thrums with swordswinging energy.’ ― Simon Sebag Montefiore  The Hundred Years’ War was an age-defining confl...

19 Okt 202545min

An Evening with Dan Jones on War, Plague and Lion Hearts (Part One)

An Evening with Dan Jones on War, Plague and Lion Hearts (Part One)

‘Unforgettable characters, written with irrepressible verve and historical accuracy [...] thrums with swordswinging energy.’ ― Simon Sebag Montefiore  The Hundred Years’ War was an age-defining confl...

19 Okt 202537min

Why Does It Feel Like Everything is Getting Worse? With Cory Doctorow

Why Does It Feel Like Everything is Getting Worse? With Cory Doctorow

How can we reverse the enshittification of digital platforms? With Cory Doctorow Why does every online platform seem to start out great - then slowly turn to garbage? Why do our digital public square...

17 Okt 202542min

Can the West Hold Together? Lessons from WWII with Tim Bouverie and Michael Gove (Part Two)

Can the West Hold Together? Lessons from WWII with Tim Bouverie and Michael Gove (Part Two)

‘There is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them.’ – Winston Churchill In a world where geopolitical alliances are fraying and tensions are rising, what can...

14 Okt 202538min

Can the West Hold Together? Lessons from WWII with Tim Bouverie and Michael Gove (Part One)

Can the West Hold Together? Lessons from WWII with Tim Bouverie and Michael Gove (Part One)

‘There is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them.’ – Winston Churchill In a world where geopolitical alliances are fraying and tensions are rising, what can...

12 Okt 202531min

How Will the US Fight China? With Franz-Stefan Gady

How Will the US Fight China? With Franz-Stefan Gady

The threat of war between the US and China seems to be a constant background hum in the news cycle. Commentators often tackle when and why this conflict might emerge and escalate.  But how would a wa...

11 Okt 20251h 8min

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