Why are the majority of people religious instead of agnostic or athiestic? And is that a good thing?

Question

As an agnostic from a religious family, I have asked this question many times to myself and others. And the responses, while not always the most coherent, are always personalized and interesting. I'd like to hear more. I know this is a sometimes touchy subject, but try to be somewhat objective.

Answer 1

Human nature. Throughout History, man has tried to explain the unexplained through religion. We have a need to understand the world around us, so when we can't understand, we formulate stories of mythical being(s) that allows us to understand. Look at the countless religions throughout history.... Does anybody still believe that Zeus creates Thunder and lightning ? No, we now know the scientific reasons for how thunder and lightning happen, so no one actually believes in Zeus anymore.

Humans also have a need to see their existence in the world is not some meaningless chemical reactions. It's too difficult to accept that there is no "higher purpose" to life and everything we do is for no greater purpose or meaning. Therefore, 'gods' fill in that gap and make humans feel better about their place in the universe.

Unfortunately, religion causes great pain and suffering in the world. A great many wars are caused by religion either directly or indirectly throughout history. Fundamental differences in religious beliefs cause fundamentalisms to go out and become terrrorists in order to further their cause.

Many of my friends and family are either agnostic or atheist, and we are all very good, law-abiding people that contribute more than our share to society. Religion is not strictly needed, however it is here to stay for a long time to come. I for one, think we would be better off without it, the world would be so much more peaceful.

Answer 2

Being 'religious' has many levels, from going to worship regularly to being a member of a religion in name only. The really religious aren't as common as you may think. Then again, the majority of people will look at you like a nut when you say you're agnostic or athiestic.

As an athiest, I ask the same question. I've come to the conclusion that people are religious because they need to be. It helps to define the world for them.

It takes strength to go it 'alone.' I don't need a book or a priest to tell me what's morally right and wrong. I don't need the threat of damnation or the promise on enlightenment to motivate me to behave like a decent person. Some people do.

So, it's laziness, fear, and comfort for the majority. People who feel they have a relationship with the major figures in their religion, or the divine, are a different story--they're the ones with real reasons behind their religious choices. The rest just inherit it and don't get around to really asking this question: Why?

Answer 3

I tend not to consider myself "religious", but instead identify a relationship that I have with Christ. Religion seems to have so many set guidelines and organizations. I prefer to follow the Lord through His word (the Bible) and through prayer. I chose this over many of the other options because it is what made most sense to me, and since has proven to be correct. The emptiness is lost once you fill it with God.
I'm not doing very good at explaining this!! I'm a very logical person, so it took awhile to fully understand this, but having God in my life has been the best relational decision of my life! I am happier and a better overall person!

Answer 4

I tend to consider myself agnostic...Whether or not there is a God makes no difference over the fact that I'm alive. Religion to me is a truly basic form of insurance and also a basic form of teaching. By submitting to one form of faith or another, you are in essence letting your God take care of you and the ones you love. Likewise, by submitting you are allowing yourself to be taught how to be a good person and what your responsibilities are as a human, a child of your own God.

People need to feel safe, they need to feel loved, and they need to feel like they are being guided down the right path.

Answer 5

The majority of people are religious because the majority of people are profoundly stupid, knuckle dragging morons. Seriously. I'm not joking. Christians claim to be made in their god's image. Well, their god must be a short bus riding retard if they're any reflection.

Answer 6

Good question :)

Answer -- because the Christian God has placed a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart.

We are wired to worship... we are wired for relationship with a Supernatural power (God).

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

For scientific and intellectual evidence for the existence of God, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/godsci/evidence.htm

Cordially,
John

Answer 7

Depends on the religion, but most people are smart enough to at least see that the creation requires a creator.

Answer 8

The majority of the people are not really religious, just the people you know so it seems that way to you.

Answer 9

Read about the God gene. Where did I put that link? I guess you could say that for the same reason my mom thought black people had tails. Somebody she trusted told her it was fact. It's hard for people not to trust what their loved ones tell them is true. I guess only some of us choose to investigate.

Answer 10

I think religiosity it's the most common form of mental illness.