Concept of Religion as Make-Believe

Religion can be understood as a form of make-believe akin to children's play, where different groups engage in collective narratives that help define their identities. This perspective positions religions not as strict doctrines or absolute truths but as shared imaginative frameworks that create in-groups and activate sacred values. The book emphasizes that this playful engagement does not necessarily undermine the seriousness of religious beliefs; rather, it reframes them as identity-forming activities that humans participate in to relate to supernatural agents. Understanding religion in this way can illuminate how individuals can genuinely believe in seemingly outlandish claims without the necessity of evidence, as these beliefs often serve to reinforce communal ties and personal identity.