Robert Bellah's play and ritual thesis

In this live episode of Religion on the Mind, recorded at Theology Beer Camp in October 2025, I sit down with friend and philosopher Myron A. Penner to explore the naturalness of religion, discussing its philosophical implications, evolutionary origins, and the role of cognitive science in understanding religious behavior. Philip Clayton joins us for a follow-up conversation and audience questions about halfway through.

Myron's Website | Myronapenner.com

Philip's Website | Philipclayton.net

Highlights:

13:47 Evolutionary Origins of Religion

20:02 Cognitive Science of Religion

38:12 Practical Implications for Therapy

43:54 Audience Engagement and Q&A

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