Do you see Religion being used as a security blanket?

Question

I'm sorry if I offend anyone with this, I don't mean to.

I work at a fire department, and you see many firefighters that are very religious. Many people in the military are very religious.

I have a thought that many people with risky jobs like this hold onto religion to help them get through the day. It's nice to know that there's an afterlife in case you die risking your life like that, you know?

Has anyone else seen something of this sorts?

Answer 1

Religion is a psychological crutch. People prefer to stay in a childlike state by replacing mommy and daddy with God who will look after them. Also, they think they can cheat death by pretending to have a soul that carries on after death. It appeals to many people although it wouldn't be surprising if it had strong for those in high risk jobs. Also for the poor who think they will get their reward later. It is all psychological.

Answer 2

Yes, religion is a security blanket- when people get scard becuase something is unexplainable ( such as what happens after you die) many turn to religion.

It's because relgion has historically, and in every case I've come acrossed, given some answer to where the question of what happens afterwards.

It is also what answered the questionof natural disasters for the longest time- anger the gods, and feel their wrath as they bring justice... even the Christian/Catholic God- he is renowned for some of the natuarl disasters that took place according to the bible,a s being the one who caused them.

So yes, I can see Religion as being used as a Safety Blanket- it soothes our troubled minds, and if not, our hearts and turmoiled souls.

Answer 3

I don't any one in that professional status is dwelling on religion if an incident was to happen and a perfect example is the firefighters in World trade center 9/11 who many have lost friends,families and co-workers. Religion on 9/11 wasn't an issue at all but maybe now it is.
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Answer 4

This is very true of fishing communities -- they tend to hold to stricter forms of religion and with a higher percentage of the population.

Lots of reasons for that -- the changeable magnificence of the sea, communities living on the edge of survival. And besides the closeness to death, there's also the chance factor. That makes a lot of sense, doing anything and everything you can to increase the likelihood that your man will come home.

Well that's my data point for your collection. The only firefighter I ever actually knew was Unitarian-Universalist and the only police officer was quiet about his views.

Answer 5

Many people see religion as a kind of security blanket. I know this for a fact. When I was a child I can remember being encouraged to pay my "fire insurance" (tithing).

Answer 6

Having faith in a religion can bring comfort and hope, especially in times of hardship. There is a cause and effect relationship between religion and risky jobs.

Answer 7

Sure, the whole idea is that one can give over to God all the stress of daily living. In the time of extreme stress, i.e. war, death, mayhem, religion is a security blanket if you are wearing the full armor of God. What do you use, alcohol?

Answer 8

I thought you lived in the American South, aren't the majority of people very religious there?

Otherwise, I can't really comment. I don't do a very risky job at all, really.

Answer 9

When I was in the air force I noticed people who work in intel squadrons are either religious or drunks. They see so much that can not be discussed with people in the real world. It's difficult to make sense of what is senseless. Faith helps.

Answer 10

no doubt some people are religious for those reasons, than there are those who I would call spiritual, not religious, who believe because of their own experiences