(September 17, 2016 at 8:21 pm)Arkilogue Wrote: The operational function of the mind/soul, of the believer in God as a better being in all regards, might simply lead the person to be a better person....because that is what they are imagining to exist and acting upon.
Belief in God might be a way for the person to gain space of consideration between, and direction from, who they are to who they would like to be.
Belief that there is a God holding them responsible for there actions is a way for the self to exert greateNr pressure upon themselves than they might not otherwise. Certainly the idea is motivating.
No, there simply is no polite way to tell religious people that it is a crutch, a placebo. Once you know and accept the age of evolution, the planet, our galaxy and the universe as the scientific facts they are, you are forced to accept that humans are simply projecting their own desires, fears, insecurities and narcissism in the form of their own wishful thinking.
The idea is motivating, but just because one is motivated, does not mean reaching that goal has any pragmatism or facts. I am quite sure those who supported Hitler, and even Hitler himself thought they were doing good. I see religion as really nothing more than a reflection of our species desire to control resources. The benefit is that it does create safety in numbers, but it is unfortunately mostly local and tribal and is a lousy way to conduct diplomacy with outsiders. Humans defend what they are familiar with and are used to.
