Summary of our discussion

We read ‘Philosophy Here and Now’ by Lewis Vaughn, sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.

A definition of religion is useful – is it a religion, a cult or a superstition? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KHDR8jdbA

We found the reading very enlightening and discussed whether our own beliefs were supported with good reasons.  A belief in God/s or spirits has shaped civilisation and altered history.  There has been a striving to understand the meaning of the universe throughout the centuries, using a mix of science and religion, between reason and faith.

Humans are hardwired to believe in a God/s because it gives us a better chance of survival, as we are protected in organised groups and so religion is ubiquitous.  However, did God create society or did society create God?  We noted that religion is used to control social structures, ordering people to work and pay dues to the church/state and there is corruption of God’s original word.

Teleological arguments, that the world shows intentional design, were made by 18th century clergyman William Paley with a watch analogy.  This wasn’t accepted by the philosopher Hume, who pointed out there are many differences between a watch and nature.

If there is a god, why is there evil?  The philosopher John Hick explained this with “the soul making defence”.  People are raw materials and have to grow by making free choices between good and evil, which must be the right choices, and will involve suffering.  Our comment was that God could have given us a choice between quite good and very good.

We discussed the validation of our religious beliefs from powerful spiritual experiences and the creation of a sense of awe, e.g. whale watching, visiting the Sagrada Familia.

There followed a most agreeable Christmas meal.