I am not saying that life is useless, but that rather religion gives us something more than the reality that we are simply here because of physical laws. I thnk that is one reason for the popularity of religion. Some people are just uncomfortable with thinking they are merely a cosmic speck in the grand scheme of things. This also kind of relates to my previous question.
2006-07-17 08:08:31 · 13 answers · asked by bc_munkee 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Religion takes away from the magnificence of the universe. The religionists argue how improbable it is for life to have evolved and therefore discount it when in reality they should marvel at the fact that such an improbable event happened.
Lao Tzu says that when people lose their sense of awe they turn to religion. I guess he was right.
2006-07-17 08:16:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
I think it is fairly obvious to me that I am a cosmic speck. That is what makes it so incredible to me that God would want me to know him personally. It's not because I am so big or important (a visit to the beach at night, gazing up into the vast expanse of stars will cure you of the notion that you are big and important!) but because of God's merciful character that he loves me.
I mean if you think about it physical laws don't really explain why we're here. How does something come from nothing? Why does anything exist at all? Even so, why are the physical constants and conditions optimal for a stable universe wherein life can exist? Why are the conditions on this planet optimal for life? Why does life exist? Why are we self-aware instead of autonomous machines? There are too many "coincidences" to ignore.
2006-07-17 15:42:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddy:
I live in a religious country; a terribly religious one: Iran. And I am an agnostic, more exactly an existentialist. I am in contact with many many religious people and your answer is yes. religion gives you a very pleasant illusion of having purpose in your life and justifies your actions even the crimes. BUT as you have shrewdly noticed it is only an illusion like other illusions. The masses NEED those illusions to continue living and literally not to commit suicide. The greatest bravery is to accept the absurdity of life and still be happy.
2006-07-17 15:23:25 · answer #3 · answered by kara_reloaded 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is humanity's way of making themselves believe that there is a purpose to their lives. Without religion, people begin to realize that there is not greater purpose, there is just life and the only thing that they have to do is live it out to the best of their ability. Religion kind of lets them know this by telling them that that is the purpose of life, to be the best they can be (depending upon the religion). So, yes, religion gives an illusion of purpose to people's lives.
2006-07-17 15:13:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, that is one of the main reasons people gravitate to it so much. If they truely grasp the concept of how tiny we all are in this vast universe, it helps some people to think that someone big and powerful and fatherly is out there protecting them, and bringing them to a happy home when they die. It sounds very nice, until you read the bible as a base for those beliefs, and hear about the racist and nasty behavior attributed to this imaginary object of worship. Then, it's just plain goofy to really believe all of it. And, I don't need any of it.
2006-07-17 15:20:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we are merely random particles connected by time and chance, then there is no ultimate meaning, or purpose in life.
If we know there is no meaning (because we are particles of chance) then why do we care if people are being deceived about their "purpose". Is caring to be valued?
Maybe remaining ignorant is a valid purpose, but who is to say that it's valid. Why is knowledge to be valued?
2006-07-17 15:16:19 · answer #6 · answered by more than a hat rack 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My purpose is to be a speck. Anyone who says otherwise is being anti-speckist.
2006-07-17 15:16:03 · answer #7 · answered by Kenny ♣ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
religion does indeed give many people a sense of belonging and such. Doesn't do much for me, but if it makes someone happy, knowing that their way is the only way, and the rest of us will go to hell, then I am glad for them (unless they strap on suicide belts).
2006-07-17 15:13:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my religion teaches me to be humble. while not being a speck in the universe i am also not ther center of it. wheater through evolution or creation we exist and we should enjoy it while it last.
2006-07-17 15:13:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sure looks to me as if you are saying that a sense of purpose is illusory.
2006-07-17 15:12:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋