One thing about religious truths is that we have to take them on faith, and faith needs reassurance. Whatโs more reassuring than noticing that some other people, whom you admire, are so certain that itโs all true that theyโre willing to go the ultimate mile?
Rodney StarkIt has been said of many modern Christian theologians that their primary aim is to find ways to express disbelief as belief.
Rodney StarkEvolution has primarily been an attack on religion by militant atheists who wrap themselves in the mantle of science in an effort to refute all religious claims concerning a creator - an effort that has also often attempted to suppress all scientific criticisms of Darwin's work.
Rodney StarkPeople value religion on the basis of cost, and they don't value the cheapest ones the most. Religions that ask nothing get nothing.
Rodney StarkThat's true that I'm "not religious as that term is conventionally understood," though I've never been an atheist. Atheism is an active faith; it says, "I believe there is no God." But I don't know what I believe. I was brought up a Lutheran in Jamestown, North Dakota. I have trouble with faith. I'm not proud of this. I don't think it makes me an intellectual. I would believe if I could, and I may be able to before it's over. I would welcome that.
Rodney Stark