You basically have to be psychotic to have the faith required to found a religion.
You have to hear the voice of God inside your head. There is absolutely no one in the world that can make that claim without getting medication. If the medication makes the voices go away were they really there.
2007-05-13 10:39:20 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've been on working on this question for a long while. My current working hypothesis is that religions were early science and technology. Trying to understand complex natural forces, including societal, and manipulate them to hopefully increase the chances of the desired result.
The earliest deities are often about weather, later ones are often concerned with fertility, human and food.
Somewhere along the line, people began to specialize (shamanism etc.), but it was still decentralized. Then power accumulated. How much of it was freely given by the people? How much of it was coerced by someone who figured out how to work the system?
Intentionally founding religions is a very recent development. Say in the last two thousand years.
2007-05-13 10:51:52 · answer #1 · answered by The angels have the phone box. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way you've stated your question, I think you've already made up your mind as to the answer. But here's something to consider: the notion that receiving Divine Guidance is always pathological is a relatively new concept in the history of ideas. Perhaps before you settle for a sweeping, ideologically-based dismissal of religious experience, you'd do well to study the history of religion and religious ideas. The writings of Mircea Eliade would be a good place to start. Also, I'd recommend the writings of Ken Wilber to give you a different perspective on the relationship between pathology and spiritual experience. Wilber is a controversial thinker, but his evolutionary approach to consciousness and the role that mystical experience plays in normal human development is certainly worth considering. Wilber is also a leading voice calling for constructive, positive dialogue between the scientific and religious communities — an endeavour that is, at least in my humble opinion, sorely needed and long overdue.
2007-05-13 22:46:10 · answer #2 · answered by anamchara 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is stupidity the root cause for you to ask such a question? Get over it! Some people do believe in a God! And here is a hot flash for you! They out number those who do not!
You poor pityful thing you!
2007-05-13 17:44:37 · answer #3 · answered by It All Matters.~☺♥ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that it's fear. People are afraid of the unknown, and death is a huge unknown. Religion provides an explanation and offers comfort and hope.
Also, stop being so judgmental. Not everyone is going to share your beliefs and to insult them because of it is just rude.
2007-05-13 17:46:21 · answer #4 · answered by Not Allie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I think that psychosis is the root cause for the creation of atheism.
That, and stubborn foolishness.....
2007-05-13 17:44:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, the root force for the creation of religions is fear of death. C'mon. You must have known that.
2007-05-13 17:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It seems to be a common affliction.
2007-05-13 17:53:58 · answer #7 · answered by S K 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds right to me
2007-05-13 17:41:23 · answer #8 · answered by Snooter McPrickles 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are offensive...
2007-05-13 17:44:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋