EP61 | Is Religion Useful?

About this episode

Stephen R.C. Hicks examines the usefulness of religion beyond its truth claims, exploring its psychological and social functions.

Stephen R.C. Hicks explores whether religion is useful by shifting focus from whether it is true to why it persists despite debates over its truth. He presents tough questions for both believers and non-believers, challenging the origins of belief and the consequences of disbelief. Through historical and philosophical reflection—highlighting figures like Hume, Kant, and Kierkegaard—he concludes that major thinkers agreed religious arguments fail rationally. Yet religion endures, suggesting its power lies not in truth but in its psychological, social, or pragmatic functions. The real question becomes: What does religion do for people, and why does that matter?

People in this episode

Host: Stephen R.C. Hicks

Topics covered

• religion
• philosophy
• belief
• disbelief
• psychological functions
• social functions

Keywords

• religion
• belief
• disbelief
• philosophy
• Hume
• Kant
• Kierkegaard
• psychological functions
• social functions

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