Human psyche in its infancy?

Question

Please, just serious academic responses, no diatribes.

It was suggested that belief in religion indicates that the human psyche is in its infancy. Little children love their fairy tales and Santa Claus. Millions of people today, in a somewhat enlightened age, choose to forgo scientific investigation in favor of arbitrary religious beliefs. For argument's sake, from the point of view of those who do not accept religious teachings, this can be considered belief in fantasy, the domain of very young children.

From the secular point of view of science (psychology), is this a valid argument? why?

Good point, lieblech. I think you have added another aspect to my hypothesis. Being absolved from responsibility- this, in itself, is a sign of immaturity. I would like to know what psychologists think of this question.

Interesting, fortuato. I think using religion as a vehicle for service to mankind comes from an evolved psyche, but as you say, those people are rare. But I still want to explore the general concept mentioned above. Can anyone demonsrate the validity of this hypothesis?

Answer 1

Well, I think we have to draw a distinction between formalized ritual (i.e., religious forms used to somehow "control" or "harness" God for one's own purposes) vs. spirituality (i.e., an attempt to "meet" or "relate" to God as a separate entity, w/o concern over getting something from him).

The first form is the type that people view negatively. People feel insecure and they want security; or they feel like life is out of control and they want some form of assurance; or they feel impotent and thus want to find some God figure that will meet their needs. This form of spirituality is very much like the 'infant' stage of an individual human being -- the individual wants his desires met, so he looks for something to meet them.

The inherent self-centeredness of this position comes out in many negative ways, in terms of how the faith is practiced and how other people are treated along the way.

I'm still not sure why people commonly equate all forms of religion to the infantile stage, though. Haven't we seen enough Mother Theresa types or others who are extremely spiritual and NOT using spirituality primarily as a means to gratify or comfort the self?

Maybe it's because I have strong connections to the Christian community, so along with the many bad examples of religion we see portrayed in the media I am also acquainted with many average people who approach God not as someone to get something out of but in order to look for deeper meaning in life, to deepen as a person, and to learn how to love and serve other human beings so that they too can grow in a healthy way.

I do read secular arguments, but I still haven't found any satisfying argument as to why a belief in God that leads one to compassion, self-sacrifice, and service is somehow emotionally immature compared to an empirical viewpoint that far too often remains detached from people in need or is ultimately unwilling to "strip down" the self and its presumptions as part of the growth process.

It's a good question, and I'm really interested to see what sort of response you'll get.

Answer 2

Interesting question. The human psyche and religion are complex enough as separate subjects! Although I am not religious, I do believe that not believing in a "higher power" can cause more anxiety in a person. The person who believes in an afterlife or reincarnation, for example, is usually lesss afraid of death. Therefore, being religious may be seen as a healthy defense mechanism to reduce existential anxiety.

You also must take into account the "brainwashing" that ocurs as children are raised in religious households. It is difficult to break those strong bonds, even as adults are faced with scientific evidence to the contrary of their religion. People, in general, cognitively seek information that confirms their already held beliefs and dismiss information that rejects their beliefs. That is human nature. While your point may be valid on some levels, I just think there are many other layers to analyze.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say it is infancy although I see the point. I think it is people who need to belong to a group or have others on their side. They aren't confident enought to follow their heart, even when others disagee... In the end, they become so obessed that they will follow it fanatically, even when many others disagee. It is an addiction, an absolution for taking responsiblity for your beliefs, because you are on the side of truth! But then, I am not always right... and I don't know many religious people. This is just my thought from my religious family.. who am I to put all religious people in a box wiith them? This is my oberservation, and not all inclusive