Is it too hard to exclude religious references from discussions about consciousness?

[Chinemezu Okafor]

I think that it is going to be overwhelming for someone who is very religious to put away his religious beliefs while reading this book. This isn't totally bad because everyone is going to have a different experience while reading this book, both religious people and people that are not religious.

[Covenant Olusegun]

Yes, I think we humans are bound to spiritual things and beliefs. We have something we hold on to and have faith in; humans are naturally very religious, and this is because we all have a spirit. 

[Yasmine M]

I struggled to conceptualize consciousness without incorporating religion while reading the book. Religion and faith are a large part of my life and shape how I view the world and existence. I appreciated how Hughes allowed space for readers to interpret his theories through their unique worldviews. For some readers, it may have been impossible to consider religion a part of consciousness. That is the beauty of individuality.

I agree with you. I also find it hard to disassociate both consciousness and spirituality from religion. Particularly because the first time I came upon those terms was from religious teachings. And although Scott tried to not base his book on religion, there is a lot of common ground with religious teachings; it is the case at least for those with religious background.
I guess those who don't identify with any religion will manage to understand consciousness and spirituality in their own way.

[Catalina Isabel]

Yes, I think we humans are bound to spiritual things and beliefs. We have something we hold on to and have faith in; humans are naturally very religious, and this is because we all have a spirit. 

I don't agree that humans are naturally very religious. It depends on where you live, the beliefs there and also upbringing, people's own thoughts around religion. There are plently of people who do not believe in God, or some that believe we have a soul but do not believe in a particular religion. These things are not mutually exclusive.

I think we can definitely discuss conciousness without going into religion, but I like that the author mentioned both of these views. They were likely trying to appeal to a bigger audience by doing so.

[Davy Ifedigbo]

Considering that individuals are metaphysical entities, I believe it might present difficulties to exclude theological allusions from conversations regarding awareness. People possess cognizance of their environment owing to their cognitive capabilities. As ethereal entities, we harmonize with the divine essence residing within ourselves and others. Consequently, conversing about consciousness without addressing our cognizance of the divine becomes an unfeasible task.