Atheism

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Isn't religion really just an opinion? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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So, recently I was talking to a friend and somehow we got to talking about religion and stuff. When I complained that religion is often put on a huge pedestal and that it's really just a glorified opinion and should be subject to the same criticism as any other opinion, they told me that that was a really hot take.

According to them, belief and religion is more than just an opinion since it's such a big part of people's lives. I countered that opinions are also big parts of people's lives and personalities. I mean, a huge chunk of your personality is based on your opinions, right?

We agreed to disagree but I kept thinking about it. I don't get why religion shouldn't just be treated like any other opinion just because people tend to cling to it. I get that ~~it~~ people are emotionally invested but that's not just the case with religion but other opinions too. I would appreciate your thoughts to help me understand better, is it really a hot take?

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

I agree with you on fundamentals but I think there's something in their argument that should be considered that they couldn't really articulate. Researchers have found that there are specific portions of the brain that are associated with spirituality. I agree with you that it's fundamentally an opinion, but it's important to recognize that it does light up people's brains differently than a standard opinion, and that sense of spirituality does impact how people connect with other people through that feeling.

Now, of course that's just entirely internal to our brains and our internal world simulations and has no impact on the real reality around us, but it's still important to take into account our brain functions when considering how people feel things.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

TIL. This is incredible. Thank you so much, I didn't know that.

This is an interesting point and I'm sure there is going to be a late night deep dive session about this in my future