Well, name a religion that’s true. The problem with religion is that the emotions and experiences it evokes, qua emotions and experiences, are invariably tied to some kind of belief and ritual, and since the beliefs are invariably wrong, you always end up with a toxic practice.
Maybe the people who are disavowing ancient religious practice in favor of some true essence that makes sense in modern terms are coming up with something you wouldn’t categorise as religion.
Because when you try that you get New Age cults and faith-healing. The true essence is the toxic and wrong part.
Invariably?
Well, name a religion that’s true. The problem with religion is that the emotions and experiences it evokes, qua emotions and experiences, are invariably tied to some kind of belief and ritual, and since the beliefs are invariably wrong, you always end up with a toxic practice.
Maybe the people who are disavowing ancient religious practice in favor of some true essence that makes sense in modern terms are coming up with something you wouldn’t categorise as religion.
Possibly. In which case I’d ask that they articulate what they mean.
You might want to reread the original essay, for context. Hanson’s reply makes more sense in context.