A few posts ago, I made the glib claim that if people really thought about their religious beliefs that there would be a great many more atheists. I've thought a bit about that. I don't think it's true.
Above all, religious beliefs are based on faith, not reason. The lack of a rational base is reflected by the bewildering variety of religious beliefs on offer, even within a single belief system, such as Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
I am acutely aware that atheists are a very small minority in terms of beliefs, or lack of them.
It is my perception that all human behaviour has a purpose. This especially true of common behaviours, such as identifying with some religious belief.
In my opinion, religious faith meets some very basic human needs. I'll list the ones I've thought of. This is not meant to be conclusive.
Coping with the fear of death. Humans are unique in our awareness of our own mortality. This awareness terrifies us. Believing in a some form of afterlife is very appealing and deeply comforting.
The deep human need for order; much more orderly and comforting when instead of "WTF was THAT?" We can say"Oh, that was just Thor with his hammer" This need is hard wired also. It's why for example we see a bunny rabbit in that cloud, the virgin in a piece of toast, alien visitors and conspiracy theories.
We are able to bargain with/influence the divine. From gross sacrifices to a staggering number of other rituals, from prayer wheels, to dietary laws, to making pilgrimage and prayers, simple and complex.
We are social animals, and naturally lean towards being part of a group. Pretty sure it's a hard wired survival thing. We feel more comfortable, safer, as part of a group; family, language, community, religion.
Religion has always been used to rationalise behaviour in which an animal would not indulge.
A cynical man might also say there seems to be an element of satisfaction/ schadenfruede from belonging to a 'special' group.Eg cults and some of the smaller, loopier beliefs ,from Mormons, to Scientologists, to Jehovah's Witnesses to Plymouth Brethren.
I suspect some one will be able to add to the list.
Those more perceptive will have noticed I have not used terms such as 'truth', 'divine revelation' 'god' or 'the supernatural' . I thought, what with being an atheist and all-------
Above all, religious beliefs are based on faith, not reason. The lack of a rational base is reflected by the bewildering variety of religious beliefs on offer, even within a single belief system, such as Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
I am acutely aware that atheists are a very small minority in terms of beliefs, or lack of them.
It is my perception that all human behaviour has a purpose. This especially true of common behaviours, such as identifying with some religious belief.
In my opinion, religious faith meets some very basic human needs. I'll list the ones I've thought of. This is not meant to be conclusive.
Coping with the fear of death. Humans are unique in our awareness of our own mortality. This awareness terrifies us. Believing in a some form of afterlife is very appealing and deeply comforting.
The deep human need for order; much more orderly and comforting when instead of "WTF was THAT?" We can say"Oh, that was just Thor with his hammer" This need is hard wired also. It's why for example we see a bunny rabbit in that cloud, the virgin in a piece of toast, alien visitors and conspiracy theories.
We are able to bargain with/influence the divine. From gross sacrifices to a staggering number of other rituals, from prayer wheels, to dietary laws, to making pilgrimage and prayers, simple and complex.
We are social animals, and naturally lean towards being part of a group. Pretty sure it's a hard wired survival thing. We feel more comfortable, safer, as part of a group; family, language, community, religion.
Religion has always been used to rationalise behaviour in which an animal would not indulge.
A cynical man might also say there seems to be an element of satisfaction/ schadenfruede from belonging to a 'special' group.Eg cults and some of the smaller, loopier beliefs ,from Mormons, to Scientologists, to Jehovah's Witnesses to Plymouth Brethren.
I suspect some one will be able to add to the list.
Those more perceptive will have noticed I have not used terms such as 'truth', 'divine revelation' 'god' or 'the supernatural' . I thought, what with being an atheist and all-------
