Some, such as philosopher Alain de Botton, look past the dubious metaphysics to see a monumental cultural construct that serves a crucial function to society, and one that is not lightly abandoned. For millions of believers, rejecting religion because god doesn't exist is like abandoning your loving family because you find out you're adopted.īut not every atheist thinks religion is entirely corrupted by its theistic underpinnings. So when atheists call for religion to be abandoned because theism is false, it's no surprise that many recoil. For billions of people around the world, religion is their way of living. Religion has long been an integral part of culture. However, these atheists make a simple mistake: religion isn't just a belief system. Yet many contemporary atheists see religion as little more than a belief system founded on a rationally dubious metaphysics, and call for the entire edifice to be torn down for the sake of reason. You don't have to believe in the virgin birth to gather together and share a feast with those you love.Īnd you don't have to believe in god to appreciate the power of religion and religious customs to bring people together, to elevate them, to teach them how to lead a good life and to cushion them if they fall.

You don't have to believe in lighter-than-air reindeer to believe in exchanging gifts with friends and family. You don't have to believe in Santa Claus to believe in Christmas.

Alain de botton religion