Critical thinking is an essential skill set in the current version of civilization we have made for ourselves. Under constant assault, as we are by contagious confusions, scientific illiteracy, historical propaganda, and merciless deceptions, thinking well offers us the best chance of navigating the madness safely and efficiently. High on the list of priorities is how our minds wrestle with the topic of gods and religions. It doesn’t matter whether one is a casual believer, apathetic atheist, fundamentalist zealot, or innocent bystander. The impact of belief in gods is too big to ignore and too important to muddle up at the most basic level. Religious belief unites and divides. It motivates love and fuels hate. Billions view their belief as a primary moral influence or foundation. Therefore, this matters to everyone, and we should all strive to think clearly about it.

The following are offered as constructive suggestions toward improving our overall reasoning and conversations about gods and religions.

Popularity is not........

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