Atheism may be growing, but I don't see religion disappearing for a long, long time, if ever.
Other than being inculcated with religion as a child, why do people take up religion or convert to a particular religion?
Because they're looking for something that is missing in their life. It might be something abstract like an answer to questions about origins, moral issues, survival, etc. Or, quite commonly its something more concrete: Why am I poor? Why can't I get a good job? Why can't I find adequate housing? How can I feed my family? Why can't I get medical care for my sick child?
Religion offers answers to these questions.
Not good answers, but answers that come with a certain amount of community approval and support.
No matter now many atheists there are, until we evolve as a society to the point where we are able -- and willing -- to adequately address and provide for the basic needs of all members of society, there will be religion, and people turning to religion. It is the equivalent of a comforting mental night-light.
Other than being inculcated with religion as a child, why do people take up religion or convert to a particular religion?
Because they're looking for something that is missing in their life. It might be something abstract like an answer to questions about origins, moral issues, survival, etc. Or, quite commonly its something more concrete: Why am I poor? Why can't I get a good job? Why can't I find adequate housing? How can I feed my family? Why can't I get medical care for my sick child?
Religion offers answers to these questions.
Not good answers, but answers that come with a certain amount of community approval and support.
No matter now many atheists there are, until we evolve as a society to the point where we are able -- and willing -- to adequately address and provide for the basic needs of all members of society, there will be religion, and people turning to religion. It is the equivalent of a comforting mental night-light.
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Dr H
"So, I became an anarchist, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt."
Dr H
"So, I became an anarchist, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt."
