into my music app. These are albums lost in a wildfire that took our home and possessions in 1994.

CSNY/Deja Vu; Elton John/Madman Across the Water; numerous Van Morrison albums, etc.

I am STRUCK by the many references to Jesus, from the Bible, to religion (Christianity). I never noticed it at the time. I don't find them preachy. They are quite profane (secular).

I find this musical thread fascinating, and so interesting to read your comment about Springsteen as well. Touching. Even to me as a humanist pagan.

My comment about Springsteen is intended to also be a general comment. For me as a Christian, my reading of the Bible evolved as I continued my education.

And as I wrote in a previous post, religion is an inescapable part of our social fabric.

A question, if you feel like responding:

What is your particular view on being a humanist pagan? I ask because I know 2 people, both very progressive, who define themselves in that way.

on a par with Aesop's fables, Roman and Greek mythological pantheon, Shakespeare. It prevailed due to timing and technology of the day.

Jesus is Gandhi and MLK.

Religion is an anthropological storyline born of tribalism and fear.

Tribalism uses fear as one way of ensuring social cohesion.

tribalism is birthed by fear.

Based partly on fear of the other.

So is it hard wired into humans? Even if we embrace multiculturalism, and tolerance for difference, the tribal instinct, if instinct it is, is very strong.

And shared belief systems build a cohesive social unit.

Define tribalism.

Is it to secure survival of our DNA? Or is it about beliefs and values?

The tribe itself takes many forms. But humans, being social animals, need the tribe for survival.

The family unit is the basic form, followed by extended family units, and growing in size from there.

So I would argue that the biological value is, as you implied, is survival.

But for any social unit to be cohesive, there must also be shared beliefs and values.

But some of us seem convinced that they are immune from it.

After analyzing and dissecting cultural imprinting, it is quite possible to leave it behind and find unique paths through life. It's not easy, and requires plenty of thought and reason, but the rewards are many.

You should try it, perhaps. It involves recognizing that what you think you know is incorrect and searching for what is correct. Eliminate your blind spots and generalizations and find what is real, rather than rely on what is imaginary.

Just a suggestion, Guy. Just a suggestion.

Or replaced it with other beliefs, unaware that cognitive bias affects everyone.

And it assumes that you, or anyone, knows all of the own blind spots and can actually move passed them.

Just a suggestion, MM.

Recognizing truth and fiction and getting on with living. I assume nothing. I require evidence for things. I accept nothing on faith alone.

No worries. I'm sure it's like, a lot, and stuff.

Sort of a mote in others' eyes sort of thing. It's a popular hobby with some - examining others for flaws, while ignoring the deep cracks in their own psyches.

It all comes from "knowing" you're right and that others are wrong. When you "know" that, you needn't worry about your own shortcomings and misapprehensions, I guess.

Or have you evolved past them?

I'm just another lemming chanting up the choir, right? Certainly no paragon like yourself.

I had no idea.