The core of evangelism---the motivation, the driving force---is not zealous faith in a Supreme

[Fix The Stupid]

8. hmm.. good point. I have slightly different take...

"The motivation, the driving force - is not zealous faith in a supreme being..."

Totally agree.

This is just part of the 'package'.

I think there is deep seated need/urge for people to belong to a group or have the sense they are part of a group.

Now, for many people, they/we have these groups on our lives already, ie, work, family, friends, sports, hobbies, etc, etc, etc.

To 'belong' to these 'groups' requires some sort of effort and acceptance by everyone involved - might even be some special skills, knowledge, attitude, etc. to maintain inclusiveness in these groups. IE, working/career relationships - you have to be able to produce and get along with your co-workers - a very necessary skill.

So..what skills, attitudes, personalities does it take to belong to a religious group? NOTHING.

These are social groups with absolutely ZERO requirements to join and be counted as 'one of them'.

I think that is appealing to a certain segment of the population..."I can be whatever I want, do whatever I want, be as much of a scourge to society as I can be - and I will still have my 'group' to call home and be a part of..."

There is deep seated social angles to religion that I believe cannot be discussed because it brings up issues that cannot be talked about due to 'political correctness'.

Change my mind.