Want theories...?

Question

how do you think religions are created.
My theory:
People created dieties to explain the stuff they don't know and to escape their problems.

Based on the theory i've composed, then as science advanced, religion will eventually die out in a couple centuries(or more/less depending on how science advances)

Anyone agree/disagree?
Have any other theories?

Answer 1

You're absolutely right! From an anthropological stand point at least...

Socio-anthropologist Clifford Geertz explains religion as (and sorry, but it's a long running sentence ;p) "(1) a system of symbols (2) which acts to establish powerful, pervasive and long-lasting moods and motivations in men (3) by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and (4) clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that (5) the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic."

Sorry that sounds really fscking convoluted, but Geertz was a pretty fscking convoluted guy. It's generally accepted as a really good theory about how religions come about, and what they are.

Basically, people believe in religion because it brings them together. A convenient topic that can be used to bring people together is explaining the unexplainable, and in the process of trying to explain it they end up believing it.

So, as you say, it is entirely possible that as science becomes a more dominant force, religion will no longer be able to use the "God of the Gaps" arguments and will have to (a) adapt, or (b) die out. 2000 yrs ago, science was not as advanced as it was today, and so "God did it" sounded like a pretty good explanation to anything. Today, that it all but ludicrous.

Let's hope the scientific future isn't like that South Park episode where the future was populated by atheist scientist under attack from sea otters... "Science help us!"

Answer 2

I disagree. Many people don't believe in a religion because they acctually don't want to change their lifestyles. People want to live their own way and rejects everything that wants to take control. The natural reaction to anybody would be to reject God. Another point is that Science has tried to prove the Bible or Christianity wrong for a long time and they were never able to do it.

Answer 3

I think the more science advances the more discoveries they will make to test and question...so, I don't think we'll ever get to a point that a leap of faith is not required....meaning there will always be the scientist who do not believe in God and always be the believers. By the way, 40% of scientists believe God exists...per a CNN article I saw a couple of weeks ago.

Peace, Love, and Blessings
Greenwood

Answer 4

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Magic One
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First of all, I'm a sixth generation Universalist (Unitarian Universalist). That puts me on the liberal side of the religious spectrum.

Secondly, I believe that religious and spiritual beliefs are the direct results of humankind's best attempts to make sense of their world and the universe.

That said, I think the the prolonged clinging to ideas that don't meet our standards of knowledge today is sad testimony to the stubbornness of human beings once they have adopted a belief. What's that old cliche? "My minds made up, don't confuse me with the facts."

Answer 5

The "theory" of yours is not a theory because it doesn't contain historical methods

But I still agree with you. Religion is mainly based on fears that go back hundreds of thousands of years. At the individual level, an important emotion that lies at the heart of religion is attachment. The universal shortage of love during childhood is compensated for by an attachment figure created in fantasy. God is the father or mother who supplies unlimited attention. The believer loves God as a child does an ideal parental figure, who is always available, comforting, forgiving, uplifting.

Answer 6

I agree..

but...

how about this for a theory. God was to have created man in his own image, yet god is suppose to be perfect. So why is man not perfect? A perfect being is incapable of conceiving an imperfect being or even an imperfect idea. so therefore, for all the people screaming tree of knowledge, creating something imperfect would make god aware of imperfection and therefore once imperfection is realized one, god, is then no longer perfect...

Answer 7

No. It's pretty obvious, really. When we are growing up, we depend on mommy and daddy to take care of us. Once we're grown, there's still some small part of us that needs mommy and daddy. We generally let God fill that void in our hearts.

Answer 8

organized religion seeking to "explain" the universe will die out.

true religion about self-development, about asking questions and exploring the depth of the human experience will grow and flourish.

Answer 9

I've actually studied the history and evolution of religion... you are close, but not quite there. I do believe that one day religion will die out.

Answer 10

Whatever your thoughts are, Religion and humanity have always been together.
Over two hundred years ago, educated men had also predicted the death of religion...and it's still here.
Science and religion have had no quarrels..why should they? hey need each other...can't you see?