I think what many atheists miss in the attraction to religion/Gods, is that the idea of there being something else going on is, I don't know if intuitive is the right word, but at least understandable. Particularly as an experience rather than a word problem.
I think part of that is the spectacle of existence. It's fancy as hell, and trying to reduce it to evolution and physics, even if you know that's the facts of it, doesn't drown out the experience of it. We know, for example, that love is just <insert physiological explanation>. But when you are 'in love', the feeling overwhelms the knowledge of the fact.
I've found it very interesting that I know some things are lies intellectually, but that they provide so much positive feedback that it trumps my ability to not believe the lie in practice. If you have a kid, you know the bond is biological trickery, yet it's so positive, the rationalization of what's happening is tossed aside, and we fully embrace the nonsense.
That type of connection can exist in a lot of ways. I know 'spirituality' is dumb, but I'm rarely puzzled by it. In fact, it's probably evolutionary.
I think part of that is the spectacle of existence. It's fancy as hell, and trying to reduce it to evolution and physics, even if you know that's the facts of it, doesn't drown out the experience of it. We know, for example, that love is just <insert physiological explanation>. But when you are 'in love', the feeling overwhelms the knowledge of the fact.
I've found it very interesting that I know some things are lies intellectually, but that they provide so much positive feedback that it trumps my ability to not believe the lie in practice. If you have a kid, you know the bond is biological trickery, yet it's so positive, the rationalization of what's happening is tossed aside, and we fully embrace the nonsense.
That type of connection can exist in a lot of ways. I know 'spirituality' is dumb, but I'm rarely puzzled by it. In fact, it's probably evolutionary.