Why do people bother with religion? Can't they see it's all propaganda?

Answer 1

It's pretty much all about ego, and fear. We humans have a deep, deep need to believe that our existence has some meaning outside of the fact that we exist. Our survival instinct trumps our intellect, making us desperately afraid of death.

If you stop to think about it, most people never do anything but live an average existance, utterly ruled by their biological makeup. I say average, accepting that there are varying degrees of wealth involved.

Some don't, either because they are in the very small percentage of extraordinarily intellectually gifted people born into the world, and some don't because events happen to them that push them outside the boundaries of normal human existence. But, out of the billions and billions of people who have lived and died on this planet, most are just born, grow up, create more humans, and die. Just like the life cycle of every other living thing on this world. Their lives are shaped far more by the desire to mate, to feed, to shelter, to raise and protect their young, to survive, than by any intellectual achievements they pursue outside the realm of their biological existence. The Mozarts, Leonardo Da Vincis, Newtons, or Hawkings' of the world, whose lives are driven by and focused on enduring achievements, are few and far between.

That doesn't sit well with ego. People desperately need to feel special. Gods make them special. So special, in fact, that they've evolved complex theories about how special gods will make them even after they die. So special, that they've evolved different mythologies about how much more special they are than other special people who don't believe in the same god. So special, they're willing to kill others who aren't as special as they are themselves. So special, they're entitled to possess things that other, less special people, aren't. Land, or moral authority, for instance.

It's only propaganda to the degree that those who seek power and wealth use religion to gain it, by spreading it to others from a position of authority. In terms of how credulous those who believe it are, believe me, they are willing participants.

Answer 2

At the core, religion is more of a philosophy than a form of propaganda. It answers questions about right and wrong, our place in the world, whether there is something greater than ourselves, and so on. However, once the more or less sectarian structure is added to this core belief, then it becomes propagandized - the church in whatever form it takes, competes either against other churches or internally to strengthen its hold on a particular belief system. While strictly speaking it does not contradict it original system, the church uses propaganda to emphasize some strictures while ignoring others. For example there is a great deal of religious fervor over homosexuality in todays society, while credit card companies who engage in usury (condemned far more often in the Old Testament) are virtually ignored.

Answer 3

If religion is propaganda. Then couldn't you say that non-religion is propaganda too? Just because you stand on the opposite side of the fence doesn't make you right.

Answer 4

Normally, an insitution exists in society because it fulfills some sort of human need. As an atheist, it's hard to comprehend exactly what that need is, but it must exist for people to ignore the irrational nature of much of the dogma. Think of like cigarette smoking, it's bad for your health, but it's also makes you feel good for a little while and is addictive, thus giving it a reason to spread as an activity.

Religions better points is that it gives people a chance to join together in a community and interact on a social level which is good for your health. It also gives easy feel good answers to open ended questions that would normally bother people.

The bad part of religion is that it often causes one to take on unhealthy opinions about other groups of people and activities, causing one to shun other people based off religion and sexual prefence, or take on unhealthy amount of guilt for activities that are completely harmless.

As a side effect, it also often causes a confused outlook on an understanding of science, but that has little direct effect on most peoples lives anyway, it's understandable how one can ignore science that doesn't directly affect you.

Answer 5

Jesus is quoted as saying that his Food was for him to do the will of his father. he had a deep spiritual need that he was compelled to fill. This is true of many else who are religious. This is a need which is so deep seated that neither science, nor specifically evolution can get rid of or replace. REligious feelings will always be there. I know that might sound depressing to you, but religious types a capable of leading the same life as everybody else. I would hazard a gues that levels of happiness and fulfillment are not that different. it depends on what you focus on. If you are happy with what you believe, then that's great. If not, then the unhappiness that results might beat you unless you look for something that makes sense to you. i've always felt that an open mind on all matters, especially spiritual ones, is the only way to go.

Answer 6

Propaganda? For what? a better life? Well yes of course. other then that, if you think its Propaganda then what is it for? Obviously, more people then not, don't see any miss guided Propaganda. Sorry but who's right you or billions of people in the world. Majority Rules!

Answer 7

Everyone knows down deep inside that there is a greater power than themselves. No matter what theory you believe in, you know there is a greater power. Whether you choose to follow that power or not is up to you. Those who do, do so for different personal reasons. Religion is not all propaganda. Religion is life. Life is hope. Without hope, then why live at all? So to have the desire to live, we must have hope, and to have hope we look to our greater power. We live our religion - our religious beliefs.

Answer 8

Like your question is also. Your very statement is your own personal sentiment that requires no hard evidence.
Why pour your negative personal feelings on Religion and Spirituality section, the place where people likely do not share your emotional sentiment? Because you wanted a soap box to stand on to voice your vendetta even if it falls on deaf ears.
You make a hair brained claim and Alien/Area 59/Alternative universe/Conspiracy believers flock to thumbs you up.
Because they cannot measure it or look under a microscope at it so therefore they say it cannot exist but historical knowledge is abundant but that would require work and study. 


Romans 1:20
"For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward"

Answer 9

The people who bother with religion are all the propaganda.

Answer 10

It started as a method to control people. Then became something the weak used as a prop to get through life and has now become something to boast and brag about by some and worse a tool for the extremist, zealous, born again to use to inflate their own egos and seek to dictate and brow beat anyone who does not agree with them.

Thankfully the activities of the extremist Christians are coming into the spotlight and action is starting to try and curb their excesses.

Answer 11

Like children that will not grow up, they want a security blanket to hold. an invisible friend to talk to , to share with. Reality seems to be difficult for them to deal with. In fact the real world is fascinating and provides more than enough mysteries for humankind to question and explore.
Then, if that dosen`t satisfy there is the universe out there.