Religion is the product of the social mind

[99solutions]

In my opinion religion is simply a delusion created by the social mind. Nearly all religions involve attributing human qualities to the universe. For example, if you look at the ancient Roman religions inanimate things such as the sun, the sea, warfare, love, etc were all controlled by intelligent beings. In Hinduism the universe is god itself and thus a living and intelligent being. In the Abrahamic religions the universe was created by an intelligent designer who created human beings with purpose. There are God given laws that teach us how to live and coexist. Religion stems from a need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe. These qualities include meaning, purpose, ethics, etc. The universe does not have meaning, purpose, or ethical rules because these are qualities which involve the intent of an intelligent being. Saying the universe has meaning, purpose, or ethics is like attributing these qualities to a rock.

 

[Treks]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I disagree with a number of your points (it's the debate forum, hooray!).

In my opinion religion is simply a delusion created by the social mind.

Yes, the fact that humans are social creatures contributes to the existence of religion. Religion (like culture - or as an element of culture) has helped (and hindered) the formation of societies. In this way, I disagree that religion is 'simply a delusion created by the social mind'.

In Hinduism the universe is god itself and thus a living and intelligent being.

Out of curiosity, are you saying that intelligence is strictly a human quality?

There are God given laws that teach us how to live and coexist. Religion stems from a need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe. These qualities include meaning, purpose, ethics, etc.

Can you say a bit more about why you think religion stems from a need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe? I think religion stems from an initial need of primitive humans to deal with the fear and uncertainty of the cold, harsh world and to develop cooperation among themselves (via the God given laws you mentioned).

I'm not sure humans have an innate need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe. A tendency, yes, but not a need that would give rise to religion itself.

Saying the universe has meaning, purpose, or ethics is like attributing these qualities to a rock.

Agreed. Some humans look to religion to provide meaning, purpose, and an ethical framework. I'm not sure religious people necessarily project this onto 'the universe'. I'm confused how you can reach this conclusion.

 

[Sees]

Something seems to be missing from this short sermon. Can't quite put my finger on it though.

 

[Riverwolf]

If that qualifies as a delusion, then all human minds, without exception, are incredibly deluded. That state, of course, makes the very concept of delusion basically meaningless.

 

[1137]

93.

Why religion exists isn't even really an important matter at this point. Rather, what it accomplishes is what is important.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

In my opinion religion is simply a delusion created by the social mind. Nearly all religions involve attributing human qualities to the universe. For example, if you look at the ancient Roman religions inanimate things such as the sun, the sea, warfare, love, etc were all controlled by intelligent beings. In Hinduism the universe is god itself and thus a living and intelligent being. In the Abrahamic religions the universe was created by an intelligent designer who created human beings with purpose. There are God given laws that teach us how to live and coexist. Religion stems from a need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe. These qualities include meaning, purpose, ethics, etc. The universe does not have meaning, purpose, or ethical rules because these are qualities which involve the intent of an intelligent being. Saying the universe has meaning, purpose, or ethics is like attributing these qualities to a rock.

This is very ignorant and arrogant. What does "inanimate" mean, anyway? How can you say the Sun is "inanimate"? "Inanimate" is an arbitrary and basically meaningless concept.

 

[LuisDantas]

There is something to much of the OP, but I take some issue with this:

The universe does not have meaning, purpose, or ethical rules because these are qualities which involve the intent of an intelligent being.

"The universe", sure. But sentient beings will develop them as a matter of fact.

Ethics, at least, are a natural occurrence, an unavoidable development from the combination of social beings with the capability to predict the likely consequences of their actions.

Seeking purpose and meaning is just as unavoidable. I don't know about "the universe", but sentient beings will simply develop those needs.

Maybe we just disagree on the proper emphasis.

Saying the universe has meaning, purpose, or ethics is like attributing these qualities to a rock.

Sure. But religion does not need to refer to the "universe", and IMO it is an odd fit anyway. Religion works best when it is more focused.

 

[Vinayaka]

How many different ways are there for a poster to make their first post here by saying ... "Hey guys, you're all stupid. Let me tell you how it really is."

 

[Thief]

In my opinion religion is simply a delusion created by the social mind. Nearly all religions involve attributing human qualities to the universe. For example, if you look at the ancient Roman religions inanimate things such as the sun, the sea, warfare, love, etc were all controlled by intelligent beings. In Hinduism the universe is god itself and thus a living and intelligent being. In the Abrahamic religions the universe was created by an intelligent designer who created human beings with purpose. There are God given laws that teach us how to live and coexist. Religion stems from a need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe. These qualities include meaning, purpose, ethics, etc. The universe does not have meaning, purpose, or ethical rules because these are qualities which involve the intent of an intelligent being. Saying the universe has meaning, purpose, or ethics is like attributing these qualities to a rock.

Well.....no.
I lean to the notion that someone would look up.....and realize how small he really is.

Then looking about and dealing with the constant urge to live....
realize that he (the man) did not form himself or his surroundings.

Then looking toward others realize again....there's more to this life and living that what you see, hear, and take hold of.

Serious consideration to the statement ....I AM....forms a line of thought.

THEN you go tell others and they decide what to do about it.....religion.

Someone had to be first to consider...God.
Choose any prophet you care to.
I don't think it matters.

 

[BSM1]

In my opinion religion is simply a delusion created by the social mind. Nearly all religions involve attributing human qualities to the universe. For example, if you look at the ancient Roman religions inanimate things such as the sun, the sea, warfare, love, etc were all controlled by intelligent beings. In Hinduism the universe is god itself and thus a living and intelligent being. In the Abrahamic religions the universe was created by an intelligent designer who created human beings with purpose. There are God given laws that teach us how to live and coexist. Religion stems from a need to attribute human qualities to an inanimate universe. These qualities include meaning, purpose, ethics, etc. The universe does not have meaning, purpose, or ethical rules because these are qualities which involve the intent of an intelligent being. Saying the universe has meaning, purpose, or ethics is like attributing these qualities to a rock.

Hey, 99s. If you substitute the word 'illusion' for 'delusion' then you may be closer to the truth than you know. The only purpose of life, as I see it, is for us to extract our own truth from this illusion.

 

[Thief]

Hey, 99s. If you substitute the word 'illusion' for 'delusion' then you may be closer to the truth than you know. The only purpose of life, as I see it, is for us to extract our own truth from this illusion.

and then move on to a better one?

Shared dreamscape?

 

[BSM1]

and then move on to a better one?

Shared dreamscape?

Possibly. Or just simple go out for ice cream.

 

[Riverwolf]

Hey, 99s. If you substitute the word 'illusion' for 'delusion' then you may be closer to the truth than you know. The only purpose of life, as I see it, is for us to extract our own truth from this illusion.

I would agree with this.