Why do we need God?

Question

Since the advance of Science and Technology and understanding of the world around us - surely any anachronistic belief in a deity is just that; anachronistic.

Isn't it time to move on and recognise that these 'religions' just limit the advance of mankind.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

god fearing people live a simple, religious and happy life.
god loving societies are more civilized, considerate to their neighbors.
people who have faith in God do not limit the advance of mankind.
It is the people who in the name of God commit crimes that do so.

Answer 2

If God didn't exist would we have created him? Yes, but we may not have personified 'him' and given 'him' the name God. People need something to believe in, something to give reason for the things we don't understand. The Greeks did it, until names were given to things like rain, the ocean, the sun. Before that there were Gods for those (at least to the Greeks). But as far as how the earth was created and so on, there are only theories and what Christians and etc. call " God ". I don't think religions limit the advance of mankind, because most religions do help some advance in thought.

Note: These are just my opinions.

Answer 3

I think it's just that people like to have an idea that someone or "thing" is ultimately responsible for us and for things that happen. You can brush something bad away by saying that it's God's wish or whatever, rather than actually own up and say that we did something wrong. For thousands of years we've had Gods of some kind or another so I think even with science and technology advancing in the future we'll still have those beliefs somewhere!

Answer 4

I have to say that I am grateful for a lot of the things that belief in God has provided over the years. While there is war and hate there is also art and beauty and music and gigantic steps forward that were made, for better or for worse, because of a strong belief in the existance of God. Surely organized religion is the source of much evildoing in the world, but people's desire for a spiritual center is not so outlandish. I wouldn't say that religion has always limited the advance of mankind. Affected it yes, limited....eh, not so sure. Not a believer myself, but trying to play devil's advocate to your question a little bit. Try and think of some of the positive things that have been done in the name of one God or another.

Answer 5

Theosophical part of any religion is of course valuable treasure of human civilization(s). Fortunately, this treasure is being enriched by the inquisitive and thirsty people day after day. The knowledge (probably about GOD) is changing all the time. So are science and technology. I would be happy to rely entirely on science and technology, but alas they don't have the answers to all my questions.
On the other hand social and political part of the religions obviously have limited role.

Answer 6

We dont all need a god. I personally think that the whole idea of religion was created to try and answer the questions that were never possible to answer. Understanding the fact that we will never have the answer, or could work towards an acceptible one means you are more likely to not believe in a god.

God is the comfortable pillow people lay their heads when they dont understand life, death and meaning.

Answer 7

Your question is a good one. Keywords here: culture, histories, faith, beliefs, actions, group conformity.

Its not a matter of us needing religion,or a God, the whole question spills into areas of psychology. Once an individual is immersed within the boundary of culture, it is difficult to escape or even be aware of the forces that bind one to that particular religion/culture.

I think that the state needs God, the individual is merely blown by the forces around it. As long as the state needs God, then the individual will need God.

It is so simple and that is that.

Answer 8

There are many things and issues in society which are meant to shake us and break us down. Some people have great strong faiths and nothing will alter the strength and the power this provides them. If you truely belive in something enough it doesn't matter what technology and science say you will still hold fast to your faith. Besides, creation, life, the world it had to come from somewhere and God is as good a bet as any. It doesn't raelly matter what name you give to him as log as you are able to really hold onto and believe in something. Gives you hope and a focus in this world.

Answer 9

You ask why we need God.I need God. He fills a part of me that was always empty before.He has given me peace and contentment that I never had before.I believe he created me to be what I am for his purposes.I am happy because I seek his will in my life.I have never know my belief in him to hold me back from accomplishing anything.I am sorry you don't feel the same.But,why do you believe in scientific things? Aren't all the theories from the minds of men?Aren't they proven theories because we believed when someone else decided that was the way things work?So if I believe in God and you think it is all in my mind isn't that the same? Both science and belief of God originate in the minds of humans. I choose God.

Answer 10

I guess people need someone to blame when everything goes pairshaped and this invisible bloke in the sky is a good option. It's also a good way of controlling people with fear, be good because God is watching. I'm a buddhist so i have my own beliefs, mainly that i am responsible for my own Karma.

Answer 11

Nietzsche posed this thesis in Zarathustra. It became the whole "God is dead" thing.

Figure out why we needed a god in the first place; see if we can replace that emotional, tribal need with something else, and you'll have your answer.

But I think you already have. I only wish others would too.