From Zoe Hudson
David Robson discussed the herd mentality in humans (7 February, p 13). On the rare occasions that I have been to church, I witnessed the power of singing as part of a congregation and the connection you feel with those standing next to you.
I found myself caught up in the moment with emotions of unity, purpose, elatedness and (unusually for me) spirituality. From such experiences I can appreciate how contagious the belief in a god could be, especially when one is feeling particularly lost in life.
Reinforcing faith through mass worship is evident in religious holidays, pilgrimages and ritualistic behaviour. I believe the herd mentality is fundamental to the persistence of organised religion.
Oxford, UK
