Dr. Martha Reineke Engages with the Question: Do You Think Humans Would Be Religious If They Were Never Going to Die (cont.)?

Do you think humans would be religious if they were never going to die [cont.]?

Dr. Martha Reineke discusses her belief in the importance of death in the human experience, and how humans would not be religious if they were never going to die. Although we are born in unity with our mothers, death is an alienating experience that makes us search for religious meaning. Religion’s initial purpose is to grant believers an “illusion” that they will never die, and in turn gives meaning and comfort to life on earth. For Dr. Reineke, although this is apparent, it is also very problematic throughout the history of religion.