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26. Dr. Stephen T. Asma — Why We Need Religion
26. Dr. Stephen T. Asma — Why We Need Religion
ratings:
Length:
82 minutes
Released:
Jun 22, 2018
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
In this dialogue Dr. Michael Shermer talks with philosopher Stephen T. Asma, a Professor of Philosophy and Founding Fellow of the Research Group in Mind, Science, and Culture at Columbia College, Chicago. His new book is Why We Need Religion, in which he argues that, like art, religion has direct access to our emotional lives in ways that science does not. Yes, science can give us emotional feelings of wonder and the sublime—we can feel the sacred depths of nature—but there are many forms of human suffering and vulnerability that are beyond the reach of help from science. Different emotional stresses require different kinds of rescue. Unlike secular authors who praise religion’s ethical and civilizing function, Asma argues that its core value lies in its emotionally therapeutic power. Asma and Shermer also discuss the relationship of science and religion, why people believe in God, atheism vs. agnosticism, the “new atheists”, humanism and the need for social and spiritual community, and other hot topics.
Released:
Jun 22, 2018
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Dr. Arthur Benjamin — The Magic of Math: Solving for x and Figuring Out Why: The Magic of Math is the math book you wish you had in school. Using a delightful assortment of examples—from ice cream scoops and poker hands to measuring mountains and making magic squares—this book empowers you to see the beauty, simplicity,... by The Michael Shermer Show