Interesting observations about why religion is going away and won't be coming back any time soon.
The skeptical freethinking liberal founders of the USA thought religion was going away and wouldn't be coming back anytime soon either, then the so-called Second Great Awakening hit them upside the head ending the American Enlightenment while some were still alive. Be vigilant.
Religion may be dying but dogma is here to stay.
In non religious communities there is always a need for tribal belonging. As people become more educated and/or privileged, the nature of disparities in the world change but are alive and well.
For some, their personal lifestyle choices have become similar to the dogmatic principles set in religious books. They believe this is the right way and only way.
Veganism is one example.
@Athena -- No argument from me. I've come across tribalism in the science realm as well. Though I find tribalism to be counterproductive at the very least, I think I would be willing to accept a bit of territory marking from a rational tribe than the danger posed by the irrational.
I don't know if the foregoing is stated with sufficient clarity, but you will probably understand. You appear to be an intelligent and rational person. Now, I'm off for a filet mignon, medium rare, with mushroom sauce and a salad. I'll choose the wine when I get there.
No argument from me either. Tribalism appears in many areas where people can be divided.
Enjoy your meal!
I'm now typing in between steak bites.
Pity we won't live to see it. However, by allowing our children and grandchildren to see, and to consider, all the anomalies, in all the faiths, we can at least die knowing that we have contributed to their manumission from the system of slavery known as religion.
Just in case you need a dictionary:-
[dictionary.com]
@Petter --"We's couldn't hold 'em back any longer, sir. We done runned outa manumishun."
It appears that the USA is bucking this trend..or is that merely a perception, and wholly incorrect?
The process in the US moves by fits and starts, but it is moving. As in all things, we will eventually catch up, if we don't fall into a theocratic mess.
It would be wonderful if we could speed up the process of religion's decline.
I think by commenting you have just helped.