I see many people on this site (mostly Christians) answering questions with a "better safe than sorry" response. I thought that the purpose of religion was to believe in its teachings not because of its promised rewards or consequences, but because of genuine loyalty to the deity.
Have people really become this self-centered and greedy?
2007-05-01 13:48:51 · 14 answers · asked by Gordon Freeman 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Seems to me to be a rote process, where anyone can construct a warm and fluffy fantasy in which the creator of the universe helps them find parking places.
There's no connection with reality OR theology. It's just a dreamworld.
CD
2007-05-01 14:00:34 · answer #1 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unselfish love towards anything or anyone is very rare, especially towards God. If life doesn't go our way or if a loved one dies many of us are on the "outs" with God. So most don't understand that we are loved unconditionally. How could God give us free will and then punish us for using it.
This fear of God has been instilled in us for centuries. We have all been manipulated by the church and government in order to control us through fear.
Most might be too afraid to think for themselves in case they get it wrong and are punished for it. It's safer to sit on the fence or take the Bible literally.
2007-05-01 21:13:48 · answer #2 · answered by Carolin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that it's a "better safe than sorry" issue...
I get the impression that it's more of a:
"This is the answer that was taught to me and
I have no right to think things through for myself!"
sort of indoctrination.
.
2007-05-01 21:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the Pascal's Wager Drinking Game on R&S! Bottoms UUUPPP! *glug*
(urp) (pardon)
Yeah, it's fear and greed -- those are the two reasons for the persistence of religion. The Gawd talk is just propaganda, intended to make the faithful feel a little better about feeling so sh!t-scared and guilty all the time.
If they had any _good_ arguments, they wouldn't resort to that academic joke known as Pascal's Wager.
2007-05-01 20:54:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I follow Jesus because I love Him. But since I believe that the Bible is true, I believe that hell and heaven are real places. I want to go to heaven because I want to be with God here and after, but that sure makes sense to choose heaven so that you do not end up in hell. We have a choice to make. : )
2007-05-01 20:54:46 · answer #5 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe in Christianity because I believe it to be the truth... for no other reason could I bring myself to hold to it...
2007-05-01 20:56:24 · answer #6 · answered by seth_nightlord777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely it was the fear thingy that worked on them so they are just doing what they think works.
2007-05-01 21:01:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's really "belief", and it's based on indoctrination, fear, not understanding the wonder of natural processes, yet more indoctrination, comfort levels, and more.
2007-05-01 20:51:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
That answer is for those who don't accept the other answers and come back with something stupid and harassing.
2007-05-01 20:53:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fear and selfishness.
2007-05-01 20:59:49 · answer #10 · answered by TarKettle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋