Is there anyone who thinks religion is a creation of mans to instill social control?

Question

Its just been on my mind since i've been reading soiciology books. I believe in God and that Jesus Christ is my savior but sometimes it just seems that religion was created to better shape the people who inhabit our society. Religion whichever it is makes people strong in character. To have answers to the unkown makes humans feels at ease sometimes. It seems a lot better to just beleive in something and I just get the feeling that some one long ago knew this about humans and thus gave birh to these religions.

Answer 1

Religion was created to explain the unexplained. The sun moved because a god rode his flaming chariot or a god put a light in the firmament and made it mark the day.

Later, religion became a profession. Priests who could predict when to plant crops or where to hunt didn't have to plant the crops or hunt themselves. Instead they lived off of offerings.

The third stage was the one you describe. Rulers realized that religion could be used to control people (or priests realized that religion could be used to become rulers). More recent religions, like christianity or islam, often get to this stage very rapidly.

Answer 2

All you have to do is look at ANY gathering of animals , you'll find the Alpha male & female to control the group.
Same applies to humans but many of the individual jobs have an alpha for hunting or gathering, cooking, making clothing, or healing.
Just look at the religions that restrict certian food as being unclean because of known sicknesses associated to them.
hat are no longer true today.
While your thinking explain why any God would want you to pray 5 times a day unless the alpha is not checking to make sure you pay your tithe.

Answer 3

I agree with you - I think religion was created to try to explain things that early man knew nothing about.

If another person did bad things to you, that was because they didn't like you, or something you did.

If bad things happened to you on a large scale - like lightning, famine, floods, storms, etc, - then obviously someone who was very powerful was mad at you or something you did.

Then when someone learned that they could influence others behavior by claiming to be able to talk with these unknown powers, and to intercede on someone else's behalf, the occupation of priest was born.

Answer 4

Sometimes I wonder the same thing. I also Believe in God, but sometimes I can't help but wonder if we (society) are all pawns in someones scheme, hacted thousands of years ago. Or if my thoughts are a test of faith. It is an interesting question you ask, but I don't know if there is really an answer out there for you.

Answer 5

The quest of spirituality has been twisted into control for the masses. It has been used since the earliest of time to whelp the population into agreeing with those in charge.Think about the Spanish Inquisition

Answer 6

I don't.

But it is nice to see people who do not believe admit that following Jesus leads to a more peaceful society.

Social Control is a by product of living the example of Jesus, Peace, and Happiness are two others.

Peace!

Answer 7

Religion is man's creation which is used as a tool to justify man's actions and to manipulate, control, and dominate the people. (at least this is why it was created) today, people try to make it something else - but how do you mold marbel out of clay?

Answer 8

Correct, religionis a figment of mans imagination and created solely for the purpose of self control.


a higher power can exist independant without religion .
religion is solely mans creation.

Answer 9

religion is mind control by the churches and the bible if you are not in there gang you are the lowest form of life and you go to fairy tale hell religion is man made the are no gods it is just population control

Answer 10

Think? Hell, I know. It was first used to explain unexplainable things, then as a form of control. Keep reading....you'll stop beleiveing in fairy talles soon enough...