Today’s presentation will be a Hybrid meeting with online and in-person options.
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“The Persistence of Religion”
Presented by Glen Erikson

This week our HAT Forum Discussion is going to explore the big “Why” of religion. 

Humans trying to make sense of the unknown has been part of our evolution from our most primitive times. 

“No culture on earth has not come up with some form of meta-magical thinking and faith-based belief systems.” (Robert Sapolsky) 

As Humanists we reject supernatural explanations and strive to live with reality. We seek answers to our struggles that have a basis in science, evidence and our capacity for community and compassion. 

Are we okay with knowing that we do not have all the answers? 

Today, we are going to start with a brief 3 minute video that suggests that the appeal of the supernatural has a evolutionary purpose. Religion Is Nature’s Antidepressant by neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky 

Here are some ideas we might consider: 

How come religions have been part of human life forever? 

Is religion a positive element to our individual and community success? Has religion been a negative in our history? 

Do you consider religion a negative element in our world today? 

Has religion been beneficial to you or people you know? 

Without religion, how do you deal with stress? 

Sapolsky asks, “If 95% of humans come up with some form of religiosity, then, what’s up with the 5% atheists who don’t do that?”

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on this subject.