I understand that this may sound like a stupid question. However this is something I really never understand. Why do we give so much credence to a belief surrounding a single man? I have read accounts that the actual man Jesus Christ did exist. However, is "powers" or whatever were severely exaggerated. This question goes for Islam and Judaism as well. You know, the big three. And I do know these 3 do stem from each other. But why? Why are these so widely practiced?

Suicide is very popular (1 mil a year people kill themselves) even with religion. People instead of hanging themselves just grab on Magical Wonder Lands ideas in many cases in poor countries.

Aggressive marketing. Christians would go into a country and romanize the local dialect so they could print bibles to spread their propaganda. "Back home" they were talking up the fact that they were teaching the heathens how to read and write. And fuck missionary style.

A societal system using faith to give hope is very popular for counteracting hopelessness in societies, especially poor ones as Godzilla pointed out. There are also, probably plenty of other reasons such as a structured set of practices for day-to-day life is a was to systematically structure the chaotic world around you. Maybe, a societal group focused on reaching out to people in need is an outlet for feelings of compelling philanthropy. I'm certain there are plenty of others.

Grew up under the roman empire, so the answer is location, location, location!

(February 4, 2019 at 1:08 pm)Gawdzilla Sama Wrote: Aggressive marketing. Christians would go into a country and romanize the local dialect so they could print bibles to spread their propaganda. "Back home" they were talking up the fact that they were teaching the heathens how to read and write. And fuck missionary style.

Fun fact, the missionary position was brought over by explorers and taught to the Native Indians. In turn they taught us how to sit.

People are weak, they are also stupid.

Indoctrination & Tradition.

Also - never underestimate the tribal tendencies and herd mentality of human beings

(February 4, 2019 at 1:14 pm)tackattack Wrote: A societal system using faith to give hope is very popular for counteracting hopelessness in societies, especially poor ones as Godzilla pointed out. There are also, probably plenty of other reasons such as a structured set of practices for day-to-day life is a was to systematically structure the chaotic world around you. Maybe, a societal group focused on reaching out to people in need is an outlet for feelings of compelling philanthropy. I'm certain there are plenty of others.

Where did I say "hopelessness" or "poor"?

(February 4, 2019 at 1:14 pm)tackattack Wrote: A societal system using faith to give hope is very popular for counteracting hopelessness in societies, especially poor ones as Godzilla pointed out. There are also, probably plenty of other reasons such as a structured set of practices for day-to-day life is a was to systematically structure the chaotic world around you. Maybe, a societal group focused on reaching out to people in need is an outlet for feelings of compelling philanthropy. I'm certain there are plenty of others.

I suspect this is very nearly right.  Virtually all religions hold out the promise of 'better things in the next life', which must look pretty attractive to peasants who share a mud hut with various units of livestock.

Boru