Religion
In reply to the discussion: Is the belief that the laws of physics were/can be suspended by a supernatural force... [View all]MrModerate
(9,753 posts)But the outcome of application of the scientific method is science, not benefit. Benefit -- or disaster -- comes afterward, and generally involves other actors.
As for myself, I certainly consider religion to be fictitious, which isn't at all the same thing as fiction. And even if the majority of people sitting in pews or prostrate on their prayer rugs are insincere and merely there for 'the show' -- something that is inherently unknowable -- that doesn't alter the fact that religion demands belief.
Does religion itself result in a beneficial outcome? I suppose it does sometimes, by way of providing a platform for the transmission of societal values, the healthy effects of fellowship, and the ability to concentrate resources so they can be directed to good works.
For me, the price of religion is way too high, though -- surrendering my brain to fairy stories is just too big an ask.
And demonstrations of science? They're shows too. And no more science itself than 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is religion.