65: Religion as Make-Believe (with Neil Van Leeuwen)

Is religious belief a form of make-believe — and if so, what deeper truths might we be acting out? Neil Van Leeuwen joins Igor and Charles to explore the psychological roots of religion, the nature of belief, and how sacred values shape group identity. Igor reflects on the blurring line between religious and political convictions, Neil argues that religious credence operates more like imaginative play than factual belief, and Charles considers whether conspiracy theories might be filling the same social and psychological roles. Welcome to Episode 65.

Special Guest: Neil Van Leeuwen.

Links:

• Neil Van Leeuwen' site | Florida State University
• Religion as Make-Believe A Theory of Belief, Imagination, and Group Identity | Book - Neil Van Leeuwen
• The Puzzle of Belief - Neil Van Leeuwen & Tania Lombrozo (2023)