I think you are right Graham, which is why in part I objected to Father Steindl-Rast's idea that theology springs from experience. I think it certainly does for some, perhaps, many or even most. Experience is a huge part of religion and spirituality, obvious. But I see theology as still "the queen of the sciences" as it once was, where it is the "science" going the next step beyond what the natural philosophers (scientists) say about the nature of nature and reality. The bottom up approach to theology rather than the top down espoused by Steindl-Rast.

On the other hand, the dismissal by some atheists anyway of religion simply meeting a psychological need (one that they as healthier human beings apparently don't suffer from) is unsound. Where does this sometimes intent sense that we were meant for something beyond, something more, some "far country" come from? Is it really such as form of psychological illness? I sincerely believe that even the most dedicated atheists experience this. I recall Christopher Hitchens strong instructions to his friends as he approached death to completely ignore him if it sounded like he was starting to become a believer.