Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon CSPAN2 12:45pm

[Viva_La_Revolution]

:popcorn:

Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
Daniel Dennett

Daniel Dennett analyzes the purpose of religion in his new book, "Breaking the Spell." The author describes religion as a cultural phenomenon that was developed by natural, evolutionary processes. During his presentation, Mr. Dennett challenges the idea that belief in religion is an outgrowth of supernatural forces. This event was hosted by Politics & Prose Bookstore in Washington D.C.

Daniel Dennett is a philosophy professor and co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University. He is the author of "Brainstorms," "Elbow Room," "Consciousness Explained" and "Darwin's Dangerous Idea," a finalist for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. What might happen to Religion in the next 100 years...

5 scenarios

1.Religion sweeps the world, but which one?

2.Religion is in it's death throes

3.Religious transforms itself into creed-less moral "teams"

4.Religion diminishes in popularity, like smoking

5.Judgment day

[GOPNotForMe]

2. Thanks for the heads up.

I've been craving something good on C-Span this weekend.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. Is he really gonna make the argument that

Religion is an infestation of the brain that makes people act against their own self interest?

[The River]

4. Religion (Magical Thinking) is a Natural Step

in the evolution of both individuals and
cultures.
Just as young children go through a stage of
magical thinking (prerational) before they
evolve and begin to think mythically and then rationally,
societies also must go through this painfull process.
Rationality (science) dispells both the myth and magic
of prerational (magical) thinking.

The religious backlash comes from
knowing that science (rationality) will
soon diminish religions hold over the masses.
It may take another 1000 years but evolution is patient.

Ken Wilber has layed this all out in
a half dozen different books.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. so you pick scenario #4?

science gradually overtakes faith. very plausible. Thanks for the author tip, I'll check him out. :)

[shenmue]

6. He recently appeared...

on "Point of Inquiry." You can hear the show at their site.

:)

[beam me up scottie]

7. Nice.

I'll have to look for it on bit torrent.

It's not exactly something you'd see on Faux, is it?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

8. Time for a favorite quote of mine:

"God created Man in his own image, and Man, being a gentleman, returned the compliment."--Inherit the Wind.

Beautiful, just BEAUTIFUL play.