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(1511)

The Genius Myth, with Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci (Part One)

The Genius Myth, with Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci (Part One)

The tortured poet. The rebellious scientist. The monstrous artist. The tech disruptor. You can tell what a society values by who it labels as a genius. You can also tell who it excludes, who it enabl...

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Yardsticks For Failure, with Ivo Graham (Part Two)

Yardsticks For Failure, with Ivo Graham (Part Two)

After coming last by quite such a distance on Taskmaster Series 15, and seeing his emotional frailties laid bare in a series of memes of him with his head in his hands, Ivo Graham is adapting to an in...

29 Jun 202535min

Yardsticks For Failure, with Ivo Graham (Part One)

Yardsticks For Failure, with Ivo Graham (Part One)

After coming last by quite such a distance on Taskmaster Series 15, and seeing his emotional frailties laid bare in a series of memes of him with his head in his hands, Ivo Graham is adapting to an in...

27 Jun 202532min

An Evening with Matt Haig: Embracing Hope, Wonder and the Power of the Imagination (Part Two)

An Evening with Matt Haig: Embracing Hope, Wonder and the Power of the Imagination (Part Two)

‘A beautiful novel full of life-affirming wonder and imagination’ Benedict Cumberbatch Matt Haig is one of Britain’s most celebrated authors, best known for his internationally bestselling novel The ...

24 Jun 202534min

An Evening with Matt Haig: Embracing Hope, Wonder and the Power of the Imagination (Part One)

An Evening with Matt Haig: Embracing Hope, Wonder and the Power of the Imagination (Part One)

‘A beautiful novel full of life-affirming wonder and imagination’ Benedict Cumberbatch Matt Haig is one of Britain’s most celebrated authors, best known for his internationally bestselling novel The ...

22 Jun 202535min

An Evening with Deborah Frances-White and David Tennant (Part Two)

An Evening with Deborah Frances-White and David Tennant (Part Two)

Deborah Frances-White is the writer and comedian best known for hosting The Guilty Feminist podcast. David Tennant is the multi-award-winning actor who has played iconic roles including Doctor Who, Ha...

21 Jun 202537min

An Evening with Deborah Frances-White and David Tennant (Part One)

An Evening with Deborah Frances-White and David Tennant (Part One)

Deborah Frances-White is the writer and comedian best known for hosting The Guilty Feminist podcast. David Tennant is the multi-award-winning actor who has played iconic roles including Doctor Who, Ha...

20 Jun 202536min

Is Britain in Denial About the Far Right? With Harry Shukman

Is Britain in Denial About the Far Right? With Harry Shukman

What is happening behind closed doors in Britain’s far right movement? On today’s episode, we’re joined by journalist Harry Shukman, the journalist who spent over a year undercover investigating the ...

17 Jun 202546min

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