I agree that religion is a necessity for those who already believe.
Not just the private belief, but the feeling of community found at any church gathering, mass, temple, etc...
Humans are social animals and religions have found a way to incorporate that very important part of the human psyche into their practices. This, in turn, helps reinforce the private belief, so religions get a win-win situation out of it. And the people also think they benefit from it.
Could the same feeling of community be achieved through other means? yes.... but it would be different, you wouldn't have that private belief compelling you to attend the gathering, you'd go if you found it fun, at some level.
I see old people gathering in the park to play cards or chess
, but those are always small gatherings with a very limited network reach... it's enough for some people, but frankly lacking for others. There are other activities, but they tend to gather similar-minded, similar-background people.. which is something that religion tends not to do: everyone is welcome, everyone can interact with other people, all only under the umbrella of the same belief in the afterlife... on this life, each can be very different from the next.
Not just the private belief, but the feeling of community found at any church gathering, mass, temple, etc...
Humans are social animals and religions have found a way to incorporate that very important part of the human psyche into their practices. This, in turn, helps reinforce the private belief, so religions get a win-win situation out of it. And the people also think they benefit from it.
Could the same feeling of community be achieved through other means? yes.... but it would be different, you wouldn't have that private belief compelling you to attend the gathering, you'd go if you found it fun, at some level.
I see old people gathering in the park to play cards or chess
