2006-10-02 08:08:59 · 11 answers · asked by buttnut 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, it gives ignorant people whom cannot distinguish the difference between right and wrong a set of rules to live by.
2006-10-02 08:16:27 · answer #1 · answered by velvetpattidoll 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not exactly -- it's the unintended side effect of a gene that provides a completely different survival mechanism: the "blind obedience to authority" gene.
Consider: in a tribe of primitive humans, it would be a useful suvival trait if the offspring listened to and accepted what the more experienced members of the tribe told them -- "Don't leave the cave after dark; there's predators out there!" "Don't eat those berries, they're poisonous!" "Keep away from the fire, you'll get burned!" Rather than each successive generation having to learn those fatal lessons all over again, human beings can pass that survival knowledge verbally, if the kids will instinctively listen to them.
However, that also leaves those impressionable skulls full of mush open to other types of persuasion -- "We hate that other tribe! They don't realize that our pile of rocks is the one True God!" "Give some of your food to the shaman, and it will be repaid tenfold in the next life!" And so on....
2006-10-02 15:10:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, you definitely won't die is you don't practice religion, so I don't think it is a survival mechanism. I do think it is a coping mechanism, something that people use to lesson their stress and anxiety. Maybe, this is just a difference in semantics.
2006-10-02 15:18:57 · answer #3 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that believing in a higher power and having hope that one day conditions will improve helps the time fly when you are miserable. Sometimes all you can do is pray for the better.
2006-10-02 15:12:13 · answer #4 · answered by not in denial 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me, no. Religion often refers to following a set of ridiculous man-made rules - and that doesn't help anyone survive.
But I suppose God helps me survive.
2006-10-02 15:16:04 · answer #5 · answered by ryanjamesm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Makes them sleep at night
Cool nickname, sure beats the wet ones
2006-10-02 15:16:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2006-10-02 15:12:51 · answer #7 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it gives people hope that they would other wise never be able to have.
2006-10-02 15:17:03 · answer #8 · answered by Speak freely 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep it replaces mummy's Nipple
2006-10-02 15:11:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hm hmhmhmm hmhmhmhm you said ism!
2006-10-02 15:10:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋