In the second decade of the twenty-first century, religion has become one of the most powerful and dangerous forces in the world. For an overwhelming number of devout believers, faith and the triumph of their respective religions outweigh the sanctity of human life as well as all other concerns, including peace on earth, human rights, secularism, democracy, and the fate of this planet (cf., Dennett 2006: 15– 16). Religious hatreds, violence, and warfare in the name of one vicious god or another have obliterated whole generations and torn apart entire societies. I have personally lived through and witnessed such tragic events during my travels and field research around the world during the last 30 years.

These are harsh words, and indignant believers will present the standard objections that religion is indispensable because it provides psychological solace, meaning, a sense of community, and, above all, that it ensures moral behavior (Konner 2019: 175– 76).