I'm dubious about the statement made in the talk that religious belief is on the decline, it feels like there has been a bit of resurgence. Not that that contradicts the general point of gamification filling a spiritual void, and meaningful life goals
Discussion
It seems to me that religion looks "cool" again in some circles. It didn't, for some time. Whether that translates into genuine faith is yet to be seen.
Yes, I was wondering if I should add this point myself. There is a bit of a lifestyle religion fashion. Suppose it's uncertain/not for anyone to say if that has anything below the surface or what may come of it.
I don't think it's unreasonable to think that someone could look further into something, be called to something (or however you would phrase it) from a starting point of 'cool'. The possibility is there at least, I would think 🤔
Truth, beauty, and goodness are, at the most fundamental level, the same thing. There is nothing wrong with being drawn to some good by an aesthetic sense, for aesthetics are a clue to the truth and goodness of a thing.
Someone who is drawn to religion because it's "cool" will, if he or she is genuinely seeking, come to engage with it on a deeper level in time.
Wonderfully put:)