Description

This video starts with the premise that science has undermined much of historical religion.  However, it isn’t very useful to debate religion’s truth so much as the needs that drive people to religion and how to find those needs outside of supernaturalism.  The video goes on to describe the history of religion, starting with aboriginals in Australia and then discussing the needs fulfilled by Buddhism and Christianity.  It then works through the changes brought on by the Copernican Revolution and discoveries in science and Biblical criticism.  The video ends with what people have explored to replace religion.

Discussion Questions

• What are some of the needs that religion fulfills for many people?
• What is charity?  Why is it found in all religions?
• What is the significance of the Copernican Revolution?  The movement of Biblical criticism in Germany?
• What is Dawkins’ argument about replacing religion?  Why does the author disagree with him?

Keywords: religion, philosophy, naturalism, atheism, flourishing, humanity, history, belief,