Why do people feel the need to believe in religions?

Question

I'm not saying you shouldn't or anything, but I myself am an Atheist, so I am a little more than puzzled. Anyone care to explain? (BTW: Though I am not hostile towards you for believing in something I don't, believe ME when I say that anyone who tries to convert me is asking for it. I don't care if you think you're trying to save me from eternal damnation; I don't believe in Hell. You respect my beliefs, and I'll respect yours.)

Answer 1

The same reason why if a bunch of people are running down the street you feel the need to run, too. Too many people believe for it to not be true, right?

Answer 2

My spiritual hunger is more than a "felt need." We are all built and created to Worship the Creator.

I am sorry that you feel this away about people who try to convert you. You must have had some bad experiences. If I try to share the Truth with you. I will always respect your beliefs and keep and open mind. I will always be rational in my presentation. But just because I respect your beliefs doesn't mean I won't stop caring about the state of your soul.

Answer 3

Religions are an attempt to explain the unexplainable. We don't understand something, but we suspect it has some sort of cause, so it's easy to say there's an invisible power at work. It helps people feel there's some sort of order in the universe, when they don't understand things.

Secondly it gives people a template for appropriate behavior. What is good and what is evil is outlined, and instructions given on how to live properly and well. This is much easier than trying to figure it out for themselves. People who don't trust their own judgement I think are particularly prone to this.

I think religion can benefit some people, if it gives them peace of mind and if they really do have poor judgment on how to act, or feel insecure and want to know that what they think is really the right thing. But when religion gets to the point where it contradicts one's own judgment and what their heart tells them is right and wrong, then it's time for a re-evaluation.

Answer 4

I don't believe in Hell either. I don't feel a need to believe in religion either, but I am not atheist.

I am more of the spiritual type - mystic by nature. I was curious and did my own research. I found that God did indeed exist - not that I can say what God is. I could sense something greater - and it was 'intelligent'.

As for religions go...I am not impressed by dogma. I studied all the major religions and looked for the commonality...figuring those common themes would be stronger threads of truth. I boiled the moral teachings down to living (as best you can) the ideals of love, truth, harmony, and unity.

There was never a need to believe...that was not my motivation. I just wanted to know...I was curious. I kept digging. All these spiritual people...as vast and varied as they are say very similar things at times. They all couldn't be wrong. If they were totally wrong...it would be obvious. What is false is obvious in the light of truth. As religions are still around...they contain threads of partial truths - that is what keeps them stable and from just disintegrating.

I would say...if you are curious, just keep digging.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 5

Religion equals fear and power. Look at it from a diferent pespective. Religion is all the same, whether you have many gods or just one. Treat others with respect, do not lie cheat steal etc. These are rules in which society is told to follow to keep caios (sp) at bay so the people of power can govern. Consider that something drastic happened and religion was crushed- ie- christianity---- there would be caios (sp) and the people would feel that there is nothing to live for, and no higher power to look forward to. Religion in a way gives a sense of security to those on this planet. It also is that little voice in the back of the head that tells you it is a sin, so you question it. In my personal opinion, religion is a way to control people. Like the catholic church and the crusades, the taxing, the murders, secrecy etc. Its all about power and control. Think about it, and how cults work- start you own religion today and get followers, they believe it is true and believe in you- in turn you have control. You can govern them through their fear. There are those who have no religion and do not believe in a god, but out of fear, they do not go out and commit heainous (sp) acts. because in that aspect, they follow the laws, in turn the laws are based of religion context, so in turn, they do follow a religion. In short- gives a sense of hope for another life since their life is not what they want here on this planet. And yes, I believe in god for those who might think im the anti christ-lol.

Answer 6

Fair enough,I do not have a need to believe, I have reason at 8 years old I saw a miracle,that could not be explained.I began having dreams of God,by age 12 I had read the entire Bible.4
times Angels pulled me from death,My son was pronounced dead and the hospital handed me a bag of cut off clothes covered with blood and clots.As I sit there in shock crying and praying a doctor come out { I think a angel } he said i have been with your son since he came in He will be fine,I am not allowed to let you in but come on.My son was talking no blood or wounds and He came home with me, not a mark on Him.God and His Holy angels are always there for me,friends, relatives and many others.

Answer 7

God has placed in each man a desire to know Him and an innate knowledge of Him. Either man will fill it with Him or wooden idols as primitive societies do or the gods of money, success and material possessions as so-called sophisticated societies do. Bottom line is some people search, I did, and found God (cliche). I have many troubles with Christianity and it's representation (the people) but believe in God and for myself it gives me a peace thinking somebody bigger is out there. Peace :-)

Answer 8

Understand first there is a distinct difference between religion and spirituality.

Why do people feel the need for religion? Because it answers the three basic questions of man's mind for him. These questions are:

1-Who am I?
2-Why am I here?
3-Where I am going (after this life)?

Namaste

Answer 9

Basically, they are immature is the underlying answer. Many people cannot accept much reality, and there are many ways to evade facing it, eg immersing onesself in religion, drugs, trashy novels, TV, cell phones, radios, etc. so that one never has to think aboput reality ever. Most of my relatives are religious. Mom once said she wanted to see her dead lovede ones again some day in Heaven. I retorted, "Oh yes, and I want a Patek Philippe 'Calatrava 3520D' wristwatch too. I will get the watch some day, for that is possible, but you will never see dead people ever again." I soon bought the watch, but no one goes to imaginary Heaven or Hell.

Answer 10

I don't believe in religion.

I believe in God.

I believe that acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is required in order to gain admittance into the Kindgom of Heaven.

I practice a religion that strengthens these beliefs.

Answer 11

Because we see the painting, we think about its painter.
furniture , " " " " carpenter
the fantastic meal " " " " cooker
We dont deny science, its laws
but see & feel the Great Power beyond, that is God.
Religion ( true & real one ) is the way God wishes us to behave.
And we obey him to be thankful to Him,,,see, ,, so simple.
That is our aim, why we are here on earth,, to see Him, believe Him and make the others see His beauty.
Have a nice day

www.sozler.com.tr