> The difference is that religion addresses matters that ARE central to people's identity. It addresses choices that EVERYONE must make In the essay, identity

> The difference is that religion addresses matters that ARE central to people's identity. It addresses choices that EVERYONE must make In the essay, identity is associated with a particular religious/political/social perspective on the human condition, not the human condition itself. Keeping identity small is basically converging on "being human"-- the choices everyone must make as you note -- without the false certainty that comes with loyalty to a religious/political/social identity.