2006-10-09 10:48:23 · 10 answers · asked by skeptic 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The most obvious answer is because they want to (or need to) believe in something bigger than themselves. So they reach out for the comforting myth of religion. It also conveniently allows people to feel superior or righteous. They're the "chosen few."
2006-10-09 11:10:57 · answer #1 · answered by ragu 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Very difficult question. I'd have to say that in general the greatest cause is not having enough knowledge of the world. I really believe that if everyone was required to read books on Evolution and take at least 1 class on it, we'd start to see a big decline in religion over the generations. I have another hypothesis also. Some people need to be accepted by other people to make them feel good about themselves. I was an only child and thus I don't have to be around other people 24/7, but some people NEED human contact all the time. My best friends girlfriend will not go to bed until my friend is ready to go to bed. She could have class at 6AM and still not go to bed until 3AM if he stays up. She can not be alone. I really think these people are more likely to believe in God
2006-10-09 18:01:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Ragu's answer but not all are like that. For many I believe it is fear - fear of death, being alone, the unknown. The atheist has nothing to comfort themselves regarding the dying process. You have only your own strength to pull you through the tough times, to include the end of your life if you face it. Many theists can't handle it or don't think they could so they choose a form of denial instead.
2006-10-11 07:37:09 · answer #3 · answered by tenaciousd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The religion offers something they need.
acceptance
love
coping mechanisms
support
explanation of bad things
following a "good" path
...
so much more
Some people make it sound like they fully give their lives to Jim-Bob the savior... and they're truly and devoted to their religion. But what does it mean to be devoted? To be a member of a religion is to have a support group for living. You don't need to have Jim-Bob to be a good person.
You don't need a savior to be a good person. (people don't understand that either)
Eh, maybe it's not the most important, but it's a side that nobody really sees.
2006-10-09 18:04:41 · answer #4 · answered by raven7night 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The need to look externally for meaning in their lives, to see that they are an essential part of something greater within the universe.
2006-10-09 17:52:56 · answer #5 · answered by Phil 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Inability to think for themselves. Inablility to assess factual information and apply it to their mythology.
2006-10-09 17:50:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
how can you say with any certainty that "religion is just a myth"?
2006-10-09 17:53:08 · answer #7 · answered by Nick F 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
ITS NOT A MYTH...WE HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT living in our hearts...you will find out guaranteed
2006-10-09 17:50:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋
Religion is what shaped our world. You must be blind to see that there is no god. Cant you feel him in your heart, I know I can and he is offering you his love.
2006-10-09 17:53:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋
faith
2006-10-09 17:50:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋