Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
That's literally not anything close to what I've said. My argument is simple: religion fills a psychological need.
|
Go back and re-read your original post, and what I wrote in response, and you'll see that this is a change in what you were suggesting. However, if this is your argument now, then we completely agree - religion fills more than one psychological need, actually. Those needs can be filled without religion, and without the negative baggage that religion carries with it, but I do agree. In fact I'd suggest reading "The Righteous Mind" by Jon Haidt, and "Everybody is Wrong About God" by James Lindsay, both of which contain some fantastic insights into what religion does for people and how these things can be achieved without superstitious dogma. Honestly, I think if Haidt was required reading in first year University the entire political climate of the United States would be miles better than it is.
Now that I've broken the cardinal rule of discourse internet forums by telling someone what books they should read... I thought that was a very good speech, but not his best. I thought it was a bit long and lagged in the middle. Of course, when it's Obama, we're grading on a ridiculously tough curve.
The main thing I'm struck by is how much stronger the message has been, and how much more inspiring it's been, this entire week as compared with last week. Although the unruly crowd has been a bit of a problem, it's mostly been pretty smooth sailing. Although, damn guys, it's the President, show some respect and shut up while he's talking, right?