Reference no: EM133312889

Reading Summary

In Chapter 12 Harari argues that specific religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, bring different cultures together under their auspices by positing a universal superhuman order that everyone can believe in, as well as the desire to proselytize their beliefs. He also argues that contemporary beliefs like humanism are religions as well because they posit a superhuman order such as natural laws and rights and the idea that humanity is sacred. But Harari is a hardcore empiricist, and the only truth that he believes is valid is scientific facts, which he argues prove there is no soul and that human behavior "is determined by hormones, genes, and synapses, rather than free will - the same forces that determine the behavior of chimpanzees, wolves, and ants." In this one sentence, he dismisses all beliefs and values associated with Sapiens that aren't proven by the scientific method. What do you think of this argument, and what are its implications for the Humanities?

"The Law of Religion"

Discussion Prompt

Read Chapter 12 in Sapiens, review the reading summary on the previous page and then respond to the following question: According to Harari, why are certain religions consolidating and drawing more and more people together?

EXPLANATION ADDRESSING THE QUESTION

In Chapter 12 Harari argues about religion and his main point is that in the modern era, human beings still rely on religion but they mainly do it to guide their perspective. For example, while fewer people believe in the grandiose stories of theistic religions, perspectives on nationalism and economic theory now drive people's actions. For example, people once fought and died over the debate between Catholicism versus Protestantism. In the 20th century, people fought and died over the debate between capitalism and communism. One war was fought over theistic religion, while the other was fought over the economic religion.

On the other hand, Harari states that two main religions such as Christianity and Islam assign a clear meaning and purpose to life, and a clear direction for the future (p. 200). By giving instructions for how to live one's life and a vision for the future, religions are able to offer people a sense of security and stability.

In conclusion, it becomes clear that Harari sees religions as "imagined orders" because they offer rules that tell people how to cooperate, and they're based on a "belief" in something beyond the physical world. And there should not be a very strict connection between people and religion. If one believes in God, it's ok, but if there will come one moment in his life when he will not believe in his presence, it should not become a tragedy.

Question: Respond to the explanation post addressing the question by engaging in the discussion.