'Bad reasons' to believe in God

[LukeMC]

I agree, I definitely think pain and loss is one of the major reasons people turn to religion. It must certainly help, for example, to think that the lost are in a "better place." As for if that's a bad thing? I don't think it is, if it helps people through a situation. You could equally well appeal to an imaginary friend to help you through your tough time, but of course that would be silly.

Fairytale person = silly
but
Fairytale land with fairytale creatures and fairytale boss running the show = not silly?

[lukec]

Exactly.

[Purple Rabbit]

I agree, I definitely think pain and loss is one of the major reasons people turn to religion. It must certainly help, for example, to think that the lost are in a "better place." As for if that's a bad thing? I don't think it is, if it helps people through a situation. You could equally well appeal to an imaginary friend to help you through your tough time, but of course that would be silly.

Fairytale person = silly
but
Fairytale land with fairytale creatures and fairytale boss running the show = not silly?

Well of course it's silly, untill you believe it not to be.

[Edwardo Piet]

But from an atheist's perspective, perhaps you realize exactly HOW silly it is to believe those things once you no longer have those delusions yourself, or delusions that are similar but with pretty much the same effects. "faith", superstition, religious thinking etc. And even dogma. Thats the nasty one.