I am unsure about this, this much debated issue and this classic contest. Yet I cannot forgo the luxury of discussing it over and over and learn from what the rest have to say and how my opinion differs from theirs. Sometimes I find nature full of wisdom in what happens in nature. I take it as the great intelligent being. And most scientists conclude it as a nonbeing and nature is just chaotic and this world happened without a pre-program and there is no programmer. This discussion is nothing new and yet it is fascinating to discuss and while I know there will always remain a little cloud of doubts yet I belive some of it will be cleared by a discussion.
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Religions found their origins on fear of the unknown?
- Thread starter haribol
- Start date
Gjallarhorn
N'yog-Sothep
I'm not sure what you are discussing is religion as much as it is animism or pantheism...
Religion started as science, which on its own may have had some origin in fear of the unknown (what better way to end fear of a thing than learning how the thing works?). Religion then evolved by becoming more and more anthropomorphic, whereas science tended to take the other path and become more and more mechanistic. Then science took the is and religion took the ought.
(By religion I mean western religion. Eastern religion is more of a philosophy turned into a dogma.)
Religion started as science, which on its own may have had some origin in fear of the unknown (what better way to end fear of a thing than learning how the thing works?). Religion then evolved by becoming more and more anthropomorphic, whereas science tended to take the other path and become more and more mechanistic. Then science took the is and religion took the ought.
(By religion I mean western religion. Eastern religion is more of a philosophy turned into a dogma.)
BruceDLimber
Well-Known Member
The title of this thread is largely nonsense, at least in the case of some religions!
The Baha'[i Faith in particular has no "fear of the unknown" whatever and indeed, explicitly endorses science and the essential harmony of science and religion!
And investigation is expressly endorsed, praised, and indeed expected!
So there is no greater falsehood than to describe religion generically as "fear of the unknown!"
Peace,
Bruce
The Baha'[i Faith in particular has no "fear of the unknown" whatever and indeed, explicitly endorses science and the essential harmony of science and religion!
And investigation is expressly endorsed, praised, and indeed expected!
So there is no greater falsehood than to describe religion generically as "fear of the unknown!"
Peace,
Bruce
horizon_mj1
Well-Known Member
Science being born from religion, with religion being based from the unknown forces in which primitive man seen as being out of their control, has forgotten their roots. I agree with you 100% that nature can be seen as the mediator of what happens within our little biosphere. Wind, fire, water, air, and earth are the true dominate beings who assure what is needed to be done is done (such as in evolution, without any of these elements evolution would not have been quite as precise as it is; IMO being yet another "knowledgeable, thinking, being"). We as carbon based entities choose to seek life on other planets in which share this form of evolution/creation, but we do not even understand nor recognize all of the non-carbon based life forms on our own planet. I could go on and on with this topic, even to the extent of what happens after life in which is intricately tied to the elements around us (this not just being based on my own personal experience, but in science as well).
horizon_mj1
Well-Known Member
This is a very superficial back and forth debate IMO. Do you know that in whom it is you love or fear? Should not the true fear of this love be based in fear of disappointment, not wrath or vengeance? If it is based in wrath or vengeance, is there not a possibility that you are the one who misunderstands, and not Divinity misunderstanding you (after all you are known better to other than you are to yourself)?
For me,
Religions developed because of our need to have a method of dealing with our emotions. Emotions can not always be dealt with rationally. Love, saddness, hate, fear ...etc all require at times special methods for overcoming them. Religions are the natural extension of our bodies and minds response to emotions.
In today's world there are more medicines and support groups that can and will help anyone with emotional problems so there is less of a need to use religion.
Religions developed because of our need to have a method of dealing with our emotions. Emotions can not always be dealt with rationally. Love, saddness, hate, fear ...etc all require at times special methods for overcoming them. Religions are the natural extension of our bodies and minds response to emotions.
In today's world there are more medicines and support groups that can and will help anyone with emotional problems so there is less of a need to use religion.
Religions are founded on control and power, and the function not because of the unknown but because of the misunderstood and underestimated. The sole purpose of religion is enslavement, whether just the minds and masses or if there is something greater at work here.
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
In the case of Islam, it's the exact opposite
The purpose of Islam is liberation from all addictions (alcohol, drugs, ... etc) and uplifting the human soul to get to know our Creator, and live a happy life here and in the Hereafter
It controls aspects of people's lives, does it not?
Sleeppy
Fatalist. Christian. Pacifist.
I don't know of any people living since the beginning of religion, here on earth, that we could refer to.
It did not originate with fear, in my more recent case. I'd say the knowledge of my religion originated naturally. I was drawn to it, naturally. I understand it, naturally.
It did not originate with fear, in my more recent case. I'd say the knowledge of my religion originated naturally. I was drawn to it, naturally. I understand it, naturally.
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
The purpose is not to control people's lives, but offer them Divine Guidance on what is harmful for them to avoid, and what is beneficial for them to follow
Two examples are alcohol and gambling
The Qur'an says that there are some benefits in both, but that their harm exceeds their benefit, and for that purpose the Divine Guidance is to avoid them both ...
By taking that advice, a believer would avoid a lot of harm for himself and for society at large
One definition of religion is a form of worship of a god or gods. True religion on earth began with the creation of the first man Adam. As a human son of God, Adam worshipped his Creator. (Acts 17:26,27) False religion began shortly after man's creation, when Satan challenged God's right to rule and falsely accused God of withholding good from his children. Due to Satan's influence, a huge empire of false religion has developed through the centuries. God has always had true worshippers on earth, sometimes just a few. Today there is but two kinds of religion, true religion and false religion. (John 4:23,24)
Archie00000
Member
Take a look at Christopher Hitchen's "God Is Not Great" or Bill Maher's "Religulous"
They have it right.
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horizon_mj1
Well-Known Member
WOW
So many different opinions here, but ya know what, it is what it is, religion was created through the lack of knowledge and understanding of natural surroundings; we (or at least most of us have) evolved since)(Emotions within ourselves have eluded us as well; cool concept to back me on this, canines pay closer attention to us than we do, they usually know what we are about to do before we know ourselves
So many different opinions here, but ya know what, it is what it is, religion was created through the lack of knowledge and understanding of natural surroundings; we (or at least most of us have) evolved since)(Emotions within ourselves have eluded us as well; cool concept to back me on this, canines pay closer attention to us than we do, they usually know what we are about to do before we know ourselves
BruceDLimber
Well-Known Member
Maybe the religions YOU'VE experienced, but certainly not mine!!!
Bruce
Everyone wants to be special. And everyone wants to think their religion is right. The way out of it is not having religion and following an individual spiritual path.
Archie00000
Member
A recent survey showed that 77% of Americans believe in angels. I swear that is hard for me to believe. That's about ten times the number who believe in UFO's which represents a phenomenon which is at least possible and plausible. I think they've been taking some movies too seriously.
Yeah I heard about that survey. After finishing the read I proceeded to cry for an hour and give up hope in humanity.