Replies

Both my wife & I have family members who are religiously devout (mother went to Bob Jones, sister is a missionary). But we are separated from them by a (very) small variance associated with belief/faith that manifests across a wider spectrum.

It's obviously a genetic pre-disposition, which then raises an interesting point. OK, so here's the 64k question: when the "belief gene" is finally found/isolated, will the scientists who make the discovery:

(a) apply genetic correction to themselves in order to convert to belief, thereby joining the 'blue-pill' masses; or
(b) will governments enact policies aimed at mass vaccination, thereby causing a broad cross section of join the 'red-pill' club?

Frankly, I think 'a' might be a viable choice. You never know, especially when the endorphin and other associated positive faith driven feedback mechanisms are incorporated. Besides, I don't think a large population of people could be managed if they could only rely upon logic. They might adopt hedonism and simply ride out their time.

Religion & belief are evolutionary constructs; they are critical to the function and stability of all societies since the dawn of pre-history. I'm not sure we could even really exist without a foundation of belief & faith.

C. ESTABLISH THE LAW FOR EDUCATING THE COMMON PEOPLE, THIS IT IS THE BUSINESS OF THE STATE TO EFFECT AND ON A GENERAL PLAN

"...who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time;

...

that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them. "

"I HAVE SWORN UPON THE ALTAR OF GOD ETERNAL HOSTILITY TO EVERY FORM OF TYRANNY OVER THE MIND OF MAN"
--The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom
--Thomas Jefferson, 1786

https://www.google.com/webhp?#q=truth%20is%20great%20and%20will%20prevail%20if%20left%20to%20herself

"AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE"

Interesting. "Devout atheist" but respectful of religion as a necessary "evolutionary construct." But there is one unalterable reality that no atheist can answer, viz. that given even immeasurable amounts of time, chance, and matter, there exists no possible mechanisms whereby the unimaginable complexities of even the most "simplest" of cells could possibly arise. One example is that of a hiker coming across a watch piece on the forest floor, and speculating about what combination of chemicals and minerals along with possible electrical influences like a lightening strike was responsible for the "creation" of the watch.

Lifelong Christian here, earned Ph.D in Theology, with a lifetime of amazing experiences that only confirm the reality of God. Son-in-law is atheist, have spent many hours in discussion. Not interested in fruitless argumentation. Just food for thought.