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Any of you read Breaking the Spell by Daniel Dennett? Reading it now and really enjoying it. A couple times, he's compared religion and the religious to the relationship between a parasite that takes on rats as hosts in order to enter cats. An interesting read that examines faith from several angles. After citing biologists, philosopher, sociologists, and psychologists, I was surprised when he quoted Emo Philips, "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me."

chalupacabre 8 Nov 27
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1

I totally understand this analogy.

Unity Level 7 Nov 29, 2019
1

No need for biological comparisons.
Historians and anthropologists have shown that organized religion developed with the development of classes. It was one way to control those who were exploited.
If you don't like religion, work for the elimination of gross inequality.Countries with socialist-type support for the people are less religious because people don't need an emotional escape.
Let's deal with reality rather than fanciful speculation!

1

Toxoplasmosis is one of the arguments for not allowing cats to roam free, along with cats destroying wildlife.

And even uninfected rats may defend themselves when the need arises. They certainly are capable of some impressive biting.

A very handsome hooded rat in the photo !

1

Here's another Dennett video on a similar subject:

Islam is the most successful parasitic mind infection in history. It has assumed a Darwinist life of its own, propagating itself by sacrificing its hosts to the "greater good" of Islam propagation. The well-being of the hosts, or of humanity in general, is not a consideration of the ideology.

Not to give too much away, but the book starts out with the ant story. Nice lead in !

1

That's feels a bit scary.

1

Critical thinking! Aways the best course, intelligent post, thanks!

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