Belonging and Rationality

In a review of Daniel Dennett's "Breaking the Spell: Religion As a Natural Phenomenon" Andrew Brown writes that

[Dennett] understands that modern religions derive their coherence precisely from the fact that a creed is a statement of belonging as much as of belief.

Many people don't particularly believe in a supernatural entity but take part in the rituals and ceremonies purely for the sense of community and identity; some probably see it as a networking opportunity; and others probably believe in fairies at the bottom of the garden.

There's further discussion about religion, in response to an article by Madelaine Bunting, here.