When will religion disappear?

[robvalue]

Yeah, religion is just an elaborate superstition at its core. I think that its unlikely humans will ever stop having a superstitious element. We are designed to spot patterns, so much so that we see patterns that aren't there. This leads to faulty, irrational beliefs, which is what superstitions are. So really, this would only stop if the human brain evolved in such a way as to be extremely analytical and self critical, to avoid such fallacies. I think that is beyond the scope of poor old evolution I think since superstition isn't something that's going to get "selectioned out" it will remain. Whether it does provide a tiny survival disadvantage could possibly be argued, and I'd be interested to see if there is a trend. From that point of view though, I don't think it would be significant in our current society. Only full blown delusion is going to be a real disadvantage.

Actually, I would bet that superstition on the whole is on the decline, for a different reason, scientific findings. Could it ever die out....?

It seems there will always be people who will not or cannot appreciate the knowledge we have established so resort to superstition.

[Strider]

Never.

I think fear of death will drive people to religion until humanity ceases to exist.

[Lucanus]

While the disappearence of religion is most desirable, I strongly doubt it will ever be abandoned as long as our race stays the same.
Gods are such an easy way to gain money and power.

[The Valkyrie]

Come on, the Rapture!

And whatever the Muslim equivalent may be.

[dyresand]

The only time religion will fully die down is when people in third world countries find out most not if all religions themselves are ridiculous.

[abaris]

While the disappearence of religion is most desirable, I strongly doubt it will ever be abandoned as long as our race stays the same.
Gods are such an easy way to gain money and power.

I don't think it's desirable. It would just be replaced with any other ideology. People like to be part of a group. Makes them feel mighty and safe even if they're sad losers.

My only wish is for religion to stay out of politics and social issues. Believe what you want, but don't try to shove your believes down everyone's throats.

[Spooky]

Big religion is nothing but a corporation, and a damn successful one. Combine the profit for the "management" and the psychological safety for the "employees", and you have something that will stick around for quite awhile.
How old is scientology? It's crazy even by biblical standards. The moronic masses soak it up.

[dyresand]

While the disappearence of religion is most desirable, I strongly doubt it will ever be abandoned as long as our race stays the same.
Gods are such an easy way to gain money and power.

I don't think it's desirable. It would just be replaced with any other ideology. People like to be part of a group. Makes them feel mighty and safe even if they're sad losers.

My only wish is for religion to stay out of politics and social issues. Believe what you want, but don't try to shove your believes down everyone's throats.

Unitology

[bennyboy]

I don't think there's a single person who doesn't have some religious tendencies. It's just that those of us who dislike religious institutions don't consider our own flavors of superstition or unwarranted assumptions "religion." But if you've never at least had the feeling that the world is out to get you, you probably need to get out more.

[Schwa]

The corporations of today are the religions of tomorrow. Classic Coca-Colaists will wage holy war on Diet Pepsians. The Church of Visaology will condemn the United Mastercardians as false prophets. Tylenolism will schism and Southern Tylenol PMist will dominate the southeast.