Religion
In reply to the discussion: Reza Aslan Made the Worst Case For Religion On The Daily Show [View all]LTX
(1,020 posts)In explaining the persistence of religion, the point is frequently made by atheists that religious affiliation provides both a sense of community and a means for self-identification. In oversimplified terms, religion persists because tribalism exerts a powerful, evolutionary pull. I find this a reasonably compelling point.
In deriding "cafeteria christians" (along with similarly selective followers of other religions), the point is frequently made by atheists that morality is independent of scripture, as evidenced by the selective importation of moral precepts into scripture (and concomitant rejection of scripture that does not comport with predetermined moral stances), as opposed to the exportation of moral precepts from scripture (which would necessitate an acceptance of scripture in its entirety). I find this reasonably compelling as well.
However, judging by the article in the op and the responses in this thread, I guess the legitimacy of these points is now dependent on who makes them, not on the points themselves. An interesting form of tribalism in and of itself.