One thing often overlooked in discussions about religion is the "community" aspect. [View all]

[pinto]

For many, religion represents a sense of community. That's something that is common among most cultures irregardless of the presence or absence of a religious connection. I think it's common among all humans.

I grew up in New England. The area is full of "fraternal" organizations. Based primarily on ethnicity, there are Italian clubs, Irish clubs, French Canadian clubs, Polish clubs, Portuguese clubs, etc. etc. Some are more clearly faith based. They all play various roles in the community - social, charitable, political. Most have a hall of some sort for get togethers.

Though there are remnants of an historical exclusiveness, in my time that was merely an echo of the immigrant past that is intrinsic in New England.

Even many fire departments in New England towns have a community hall. I learned to play a distinctly local card game - 45's - at the one in my town. Weekly games had an entry fee - which went to the department. (Table wagers were studiously overlooked. LOL.)

So overall, I feel it's important to not overlook that aspect of religion for some people. Some sense of a common community is vital, imo.