Matthew advances what I call the "wantologlical" proof of God's existence. Without the supernatural, life sucks. Therefore, the supernatural exists. Take away the arguments about how lost we'd be without God, and what's left? Can't explain morality, must be a relativist, can't find "meaning," etc. Too bad. The universe is as it is. If it's absurd, it's absurd. Wanting it not to be is not philosophy.

Ben wants to find something special in humans. Why? Maybe we're just another invasive species. In the deeply philosophical movie "Road House," the late, great Patrick Swayze plays a "cooler," the guy in charge of keeping the peace at the rowdy title institution. His motto captures the essence of human existence: "Be nice.... I want you to be nice... until it's time... to not be nice.." Scarcity and the need to put our genes first tell us whether it is time to be nice or not. There is a season to every purpose under heaven. As technologies emerge, plus-sum opportunities come and go.

Morality is the story we tell - and believe - so as not to have to learn game theory. The ability to create and accept such stories is an evolved trait consistent with the need it serves. We could not survive as a species of philosophers and mathematicians, or even as a species of critters who can understand philosophers and mathematicians. But we can survive as a species that produces and believes priests. And so we do.