Religion from an evolutionery stand point, Why?

[Thana]

Yeah, you seem a little fiery. That's a good thing. Makes it more likely that God will notice your flame.

Uhh... What?

 

[AmbiguousGuy]

Uhh... What?

You have the advantage. Your theology, as weird as it seems to me, is infused into our culture. If you talk about 'original sin', for example, people understand you even though it's definitely a huh-what? concept.

But I'm an original prophet of God. So my theology, as straightforward as it is, can strike one's ear as strange. Think of Jesus and how even his own disciples didn't understand him.

It's such a curious world we inhabit, I often think.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

People don't want to feel alone in a world filled with millions, They want purpose in a life where they're considered unnecessary. And they need something to explain the things that we have no answers for, And they need something that stops them from fearing death, As so many do.

Exactly. The psychological and emotional need for something to provide meaning, purpose, and to alleviate the fear of non-existence thoroughly explains the invention of religion. As a species, we are primarily driven by our emotions, not our intellect, so it makes sense that we would create myths and gods which fulfill our emotional needs, regardless of how irrational this act is.

From a psychological standpoint, Religion is very reasonable.

Indeed, as emotional creatures, it is very reasonable for humans, as a species, to want to believe in things which make us feel comfortable and less afraid. However, it is possible to deal with our psycholgical and emotional vagaries without resorting to myth and fantasy.

 

[Thana]

Exactly. The psychological and emotional need for something to provide meaning, purpose, and to alleviate the fear of non-existence thoroughly explains the invention of religion. As a species, we are primarily driven by our emotions, not our intellect, so it makes sense that we would create myths and gods which fulfill our emotional needs, regardless of how irrational this act is.



Indeed, as emotional creatures, it is very reasonable for humans, as a species, to want to believe in things which make us feel comfortable and less afraid. However, it is possible to deal with our psycholgical and emotional vagaries without resorting to myth and fantasy.

You know, It's interesting. There are a lot of factors that kind of push toward religion, It seems almost expected, Socially and culturally and as I mentioned, even psychologically.

I never wondered if being an Athiest was actually being non-conformist, But I suppose on many levels it is.

Huh...
I learn so much on this site

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I never wondered if being an Athiest was actually being non-conformist, But I suppose on many levels it is.

Indeed. Sadly, being a person who consciously holds rational, educated views does make one somewhat a non-conformist. Hence, why atheists and other rationalists are a minority.

 

[Revoltingest]

I never wondered if being an Athiest was actually being non-conformist, But I suppose on many levels it is.

That would depend upon the individual atheist's environment.
I grew up in a religious community, but in a non-religious family.
Where would that put me?