do religons exist to help people?

Question

or make them believe in god?

Answer 1

Religions can exist in different cultures for almost an infinite amount of reasons.

Early religion, which evolved as polytheistic, was to explain natural weather phenomena. In these times these early people had no idea what caused these different events to happen, so it was largely fear that promoted the growth of these early religions.

Many religions in the contemporary sense help those ease their fear about dying. By indoctrinating convert or burn strategies, the church was able to convert most of the then pagan followers to their new religion.

Religions like Hinduism and Buddhism are focused more on this life, so they can be very practical guides to living a good life. Not too surprising that out of the five major religions, historically these are the two most peaceful ones.

Many cultures are actually defined by their religion. This can be seen by many of the indian religions, the Mayans and the Aztecs etc.

Answer 2

Yes! But only if you have faith in whichever religion you believe in. Also, first you have to believe in yourself and become a good
human being. Try and avoid hurting anyone purposely because
in the end you get hurt because of your own actions.
Some religion leaders tell you that you should "fear" your Lord and that's utter nonsense. How can you be in fear of anyone and also believe in that person?
Religions are very simple made complicated by some of the followers, specially the ones who think themselves as being religious. Most of them are hypocrites.
Humanism and respect for all religions is a religion in itself. Avoid the fanatics in any religion, keep your faith in good times as well as bad and you will find that religion really helps
you!

Answer 3

I think that they are soothing for people, all the social contact that is involved with religions helps them through bad times. I think that they arose because there was a need for moral and social control over society that could be maintained through devout following of a religion. Personally, I am not religious so I guess the next few answers will be upset with what I have to say.

Answer 4

The reason religion exists is to help people make sense of events which would otherwise be incomprehensible by relying on unseen, hidden forces. This inadequately addresses the social aspect of religion, though, depicting religion and animism are purely intellectual moves.
- Tyler and Frazer

Answer 5

Neither is the reason they exist.

Religions exist to CONTROL people. No-one can tell me that words written by men are divine and beyond question.

Believe in god by all means, but don't believe what others tell you to believe in.

Answer 6

Religions are the training wheels for an immature spirituality. That describes about 99% of humanity (including me). Gotta have 'em because we fall over so much. But someday you'll go solo.

Answer 7

no one makes you believe in God, you do or you do not, religion cannot force it on you

some believers feel they should help others and that is a noble and honorable goal

belief systems have always been, only the gods and names have changed

Answer 8

Religions exist for so many reasons. To believe in one or not believe in any is all a choice that you make that is meant to enrich your life.

Answer 9

Religions are used to allow a few people to control many. And to make a lot of money in the process.

Answer 10

I don't think helping them is their main purpose. I think it's about encouraging them to buy into an ideology through fear of being consigned to eternal damnation. Once they've been snared the religion might consider helping them.