Atheism Quote by Phil Donahue
“Science may have come a long way, but as far as religion is concerned, we are first cousins to the !Kung tribesmen of the Kalahari Desert. Except for the garments, their deep religious trances might just as well be happening at a revival meeting or in the congregation of a fundamentalist TV preacher… As we move further from the life of ignorance and superstition in which religion has its roots, we seem to need it more and more… Why has religion become a force just when we'd have thought it would be losing ground to secularism?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Religion and Science, Phil Donahue, 1990s
Religion persists despite scientific progress because it fulfills deep psychological and social needs that science does not address.
In simple terms: Religion meets emotional and community needs that science overlooks.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the non‑material reasons people cling to faith.
Themes
faith
psychology
culture
science
society
Mood
reflective
analytical
curious
Type
philosophical
sociological
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- community building
- political discourse
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
existential meaning
social cohesion
identity
rituals
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people turn to religion in modern societies?
- How can secular institutions provide similar community support?
A Different Perspective
Religion can also reinforce dogma and hinder critical thinking.
