From Jon Atack
It would be interesting to extend Lawton’s excellent piece to consider belief in the supernatural as well as belief in god. As he says, while there is a decline in conventional religious belief, many people hold tightly to magical thinking, without seeking rational justification.
There is every need to apply scientific empiricism to the study of belief. After more than 30 years of counselling the victims of religious cults, I can say with certainty that critical, scientific thinking is the best way to overcome the delusions of supernaturalism.
This in no way devalues the ethical teachings of religions, but we should all be free to question, experiment and debate.
Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, UK
