[Megan]

Yeah, I see the distinction you're making between cultural traditions such as Christmas trees and superstitions such as...well...I'll leave it at that. Point taken.

And I quite agree that Richard Dawkins "takes an extreme stance and serves as a dynamic springboard for social change." In that he just serves as a quality mirror and balance for the opposite extreme stance, I think.

I think he is an interesting figure, and quite harmless, believing as I do that religion and science serve as evolutionary drivers of one another, and that, as that wise old sage, Anonymous said, "God is pressure."

I haven't read The Selfish Gene, but you and Michael have both suggested it, so it's now on my list--thanks!

Dor, I respond to your post in my next post.