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

EPISODE · May 8, 2025 · 58 MIN

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

from On Wisdom · host Charles Cassidy and Igor Grossmann

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.

What this episode covers

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)

NOW PLAYING

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

0:00 58:14

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

EP 29: lemon juice

Oct 3, 2025 ·28m

EP 28: can you bless your enemies?

Sep 16, 2025 ·29m

🦋 Day 6 of Lose the Weight: health hacks

Sep 16, 2025 ·47m

🦋 Day 5 of Lose the Weight: movement

Sep 12, 2025 ·37m

🦋 Day 4 of Lose the Weight: nutrition

Sep 11, 2025 ·40m

EP 27: source is source

Sep 10, 2025 ·40m

Similar Podcasts

The Small Business Startup School – Business Notes | Financial Literacy | Retail Psychology – For Professionals & Entrepreneurs The Small Business Startup School Inc. Starting or buying a small business? While personal circumstances may vary, business patterns remain timeless. On The Small Business Startup School, we explore strategies, insights, and practical solutions to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate their journey.Hosted by Ola Williams—a retail entrepreneur, fintech founder, and financial coach with over two decades of experience—this podcast marries financial awareness and retail psychology with optimism to deliver actionable takeaways.Join us to learn, grow, and connect as we uncover the keys to business success.Let’s continue to learn together and be encouraged to keep on connecting! DIOSA. Carolina Sanper This podcast is a sacred space created by Carolina Sanper where you connect with your inner wisdom and embody your magnetic feminine power.It is the realization that the mystical realm is where you plant the seeds of your desired reality.It is a portal to your true essence: awareness, presence, and receiving with ease. Welcome home, DIOSA. 🖤 PodQuesting Dwight J Randolph- WolfShield Media PodQuesting: -By WolfShield Media and Dwight J RandolphJoin us on an exciting journey to master the world of fiction podcasting! At PodQuesting, we document our quest to improve and innovate, sharing valuable insights, strategies, and behind-the-scenes tips along the way. Whether you're an experienced podcaster or just starting your first show, our podcast is your go-to resource for everything podcasting.Discover practical advice, creative techniques, and lessons from our own experiences as we explore the ever-evolving podcasting landscape. Ready to level up your skills and embark on this adventure with us? Tune in and join the quest!Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] and visit our website:WolfShield.Media LIGHTS, CAMERA, SMILE! Creatives Club Media Lights, Camera, Smile, is a podcast for anyone with a dream to share something with the world, out of the overflow of themselves - be it their mind, their heart, their personalities, and much more. Each of us are alive in this moment in time, with an innate ability to have ideas and create various things to benefit both ourselves and the people around us for a reason, and here, you will find the encouragement, the inspiration, and the motivation to do just that. Hosted by Cicily, founder of Creatives Club, she dives into various topics surrounding creativity and business. Exploring entrepreneurship for creatives in a corporate reality, sharing tips and tricks in a media centered company, answering questions regarding what a creative actually is are just a few of the things discussed on this podcast. Be encouraged to create for yourself as Cicily gets vulnerable by pivoting the camera to herself for the first time.To submit questions for Cicily to answer, or have her address certain t

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of On Wisdom?

This episode is 58 minutes long.

When was this On Wisdom episode published?

This episode was published on May 8, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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...

Can I download this On Wisdom episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!