Should religion get a pass?

I’m beginning to see posts on various skeptical/rationalist/atheist websites arguing—or implying—that religion should be immune from the kind of critical scrutiny we give to other superstitions. The latest, “A rational approach to irrationality” by Quinn O’Neill, appeared two days ago at 3 Quarks Daily. Apart from her making the usual “we’re-alienating-our-allies-with-our-stridency” argument (it references Phil Plait’s DBAD talk), she takes an unusual tack: telling skeptics to lay off religion because our goal of maximizing rationality is misguided. We should instead be trying to maximize well being, and that may involve accepting our fellows’ delusions. (Sam Harris take note!)

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TAGGED: ACCOMMODATIONISM, COMMENTARY, RELIGION


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