Is one of the reasons people believe in God is a need for a father figure?

[hoppimike]

I just wonder this sometimes. I know a lot of girls who are very keen on monotheistic religion (Christianity or Islam), and sometimes I wonder if subconsciously they just want a kind of protective father figure, a monotheistic religion provides that.

A lot of the guys I know (even the ones who have connections to the religious girls) are not religious. I just expect it more from girls than from guys - guys tend to be more about hands-on technical things and I think girls tend to be more into spiritualism.

But this isn't just about any single gender.

I just wonder if one of the reasons people gravitate towards monotheistic belief is that need for a strong father figure in their lives, and God provides this?

Now, this is not me saying that God is necessarily NOT true, but I'm just saying I think this may be one reason why some people feel inclined to adopt a belief like this.

Opinions?

Mike

[Annik]

I think they just want to cheat death.

[hoppimike]

I think they just want to cheat death.

haha yes I think that is part of it too, certainly.

[Annik]

As a female atheist who used to be religious, I already had a father. I certainly didn't need 2. I just wishes that there was someone looking out for me or whatever. Your hypothesis kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth (please don't this the wrong way).

[hoppimike]

As a female atheist who used to be religious, I already had a father. I certainly didn't need 2. I just wishes that there was someone looking out for me or whatever. Your hypothesis kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth (please don't this the wrong way).

I know, I honestly didn't want to be sexist (I am really not a sexist person). And I also didn't aim this at one gender as such, even though I did mention women.

Perhaps "father figure" is unnecessary wording. "Parent" would probably do to be honest. Like a protecting figure that means you're never alone, never have to be scared, etc.

Maybe that's a better way of putting it

[Abu Taj al Deen]

As a religious male, I have to say no for sure.
I had two very supportive parents, so did my wife.
So did pretty much everyone (religious) I'm close to, come to think of it.

From my view, there are no statistics to back up your thoughts. It's simply being thrown out there seemingly at random, actually?

[Darwinian]

Humans are primates. Primates live in tribes. What do all primate tribes have in some form or another? A hierarchical social structure with an angry alpha male at the top.

Surely the church with its plethora of bishops, cardinals, priests and then angels, other heavenly entities and ultimately God, the Son and the Holy Spirit is the ultimate extension of this evolutionary trait.

[Annik]

As a female atheist who used to be religious, I already had a father. I certainly didn't need 2. I just wishes that there was someone looking out for me or whatever. Your hypothesis kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth (please don't this the wrong way).

I know, I honestly didn't want to be sexist (I am really not a sexist person). And I also didn't aim this at one gender as such, even though I did mention women.

Perhaps "father figure" is unnecessary wording. "Parent" would probably do to be honest. Like a protecting figure that means you're never alone, never have to be scared, etc.

Maybe that's a better way of putting it

Indeed. I'd use protector or parental figure over that wording, if your intention was to keep things neutral. Glad this was hammered out. :3


From that point of view, I'm inclined to agree. I think people want to feel like someone has their back. If a god has a plan for them, then certainly the suffering is worth it, ect (even though hanging a lake of fire over their heads would be pretty abusive). They want to believe that bad things happen for a reason. It's all about remaining comfortable.

[hoppimike]

I know, I honestly didn't want to be sexist (I am really not a sexist person). And I also didn't aim this at one gender as such, even though I did mention women.

Perhaps "father figure" is unnecessary wording. "Parent" would probably do to be honest. Like a protecting figure that means you're never alone, never have to be scared, etc.

Maybe that's a better way of putting it

Indeed. I'd use protector or parental figure over that wording, if your intention was to keep things neutral. Glad this was hammered out. :3


From that point of view, I'm inclined to agree. I think people want to feel like someone has their back. If a god has a plan for them, then certainly the suffering is worth it, ect (even though hanging a lake of fire over their heads would be pretty abusive). They want to believe that bad things happen for a reason. It's all about remaining comfortable.

Yah, agreed! Apologies again about the wording, but at least my point is understood!

Now this isn't a reason why religion is necessarily incorrect and I never meant to imply that it's true for everyone. I just think it may be true for SOME people o.O

[cratehorus]

I disagree with the OP's premise, but it is a fact that women are more religous then men, why they are, is up for debate but, it is a fact, the world over.

Nearly three-fourths of women (72%) believe that religion can answer all or most of today's problems, compared with 59% of men. The difference between men and women on this issue has been relatively consistent for 45 years.

"How important would you say religion is in your own life," 68% of women responded "very important," while only 48% of men did so.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/7336/Religion...vided.aspx