In a recent interview, sociobiologist E. O. Wilson, perhaps the most respected entomologist in the world, suggested that humanity would be well served to eliminate, once and for all, religion.  Religion, Wilson said, is rooted in tribalism, and tribalism intrinsically leads, as he sees it, to intolerance.  Religion breeds conflict, nasty competition, and discord and anger.  We are, Wilson concludes, therefore better off without it.
     Wilson is surely correct in saying that "tribalism" has infected and used religion to singularly damaging ends.  We do not need to look far to see that, even today.  However, given that everyone ponders life's meaning, whether they do so in thoroughgoing materialist fashion or in pursuing transcendent quest, we may encounter difficulty, even contradiction in insisting that religion, in itself, should be eliminated altogether. Whether they involve themselves in religion or not, human beings tend to lapse into dogmatism over their individual or tribal viewpoints.  It's what, in part, gives them the strength and confidence of their convictions.  People like to be in control of what they own, be it possession or belief.  The impasse between America's Democratic and Republican parties is a prime example.
     It therefore seems as if the wiser path is to continue to give people opportunity to pursue their meaning, be it through religion or otherwise, while also encouraging greater societal focus on eschewing epistemological discrimination in favor of human unity, despite differences.  That is, allow each person the freedom to pursue his/her meaning, transcendent or not, while also insisting that people recognize that, in this life, no answer can possibly be final for absolutely everyone.  As humans are highly diverse, so will their perspectives be, and every perspective contributes to human richness, the marvel of the human penchant for creative purpose, however one defines it.  Whatever people believe, they must recognize that even if billions of people agree with them, there are many billions more who do not, and they are equally valuable and worthwhile in the human adventure on the planet.
     Furthermore, although personal quest certainly can lead to personal dogmatism--of all kinds--it need not if the questers admit that their quest is for them and for them alone.  If they find community in it, so much the better.  Yet community should be held loosely, as it is always subject to change. Though we remain human, we also remain alone:  some may find darkness without certainty, yet certainty, mismanaged, can bring a greater darkness still.  We should all walk somewhat "insecurely," convinced yet cognizant that we, this day, are not the end.