Is the belief in a deity just some sort of escapism?

Question

None of us have proof that there is something out there. Yet, people are so receptive to that idea to the point of some even dying for it.
Is it because life on Earth seems so harsh, confusing and uncertain that we want to believe that there must be something more, something better, something that makes sense? And that overrides the fact that there is absolutely no evidence that there is someone watching over us, or a place with no worries?
Your thoughts?

Answer 1

It's a flaw in human nature.

As part of our evolutionary 'toolkit' of survival strategies, we have a highly developed awareness of other entities in our environment - We often notice human faces in carpet patterns, rabbit-shaped clouds and so on. There is more survival value in seeing what really *is* there, and also seeing some things that *aren't* really there, than in missing things that really are there and going hungry, or worse, ending up as someone else's lunch.

The consequence of this undeniably true aspect of human nature is that we have a natural tendency to imagine 'agents' (intelligent entities) behind natural phenomena and events in our own lives that aren't really there - i.e. gods and goddesses, demons, angels, spirits - a whole menagerie of supernatural characters. Society and culture binds up these characters with our wishes and fears, our desires for dominance and submission and shared identity, and we end up with religious belief and ritual and dogma, in thousands of different flavours throughout the world and throughout history. Religion is formalised superstition - It's just a common flaw in human nature, rather like the way we see optical illusions. We can account for the existence of religious belief perfectly well with this fact-based, rational explanation, rather than believing that there really is a supernatural realm of existence.

Answer 2

I don't think there is a clear answer for human need of Deities, but my guess is that this tendency is built on 5 foundations:
1. An adult replacement of the Father / mother figures we rely upon as children.
2. An over inquisitive mind that needs an explanation for everything, even things that are presently unexplainable.
3. a tendency to be conservative, and avoid testing the validity of statements told us when we were too young and unable to evaluate the validity of these statements.
4. A "business" opportunity for some people, who found a way to sell nonexistent "commodities" to a large crowd of captive customers.
5. and last - a social benefit from the dictates of most religions, that can come to effect only if the individual accept them as part of a "divine truth"

Answer 3

Believing in God activates a certain region of the brain. It becomes like an addictive drug to people.

Rationalism can clear through the muck.

Answer 4

gotta love the cut and pasters..nice job icarus..lol

since you seem to be an athiest, there is really nothing that i could say to you to make you believe my position.. but just so you know your point of view is as difficult for me to understand as mine is to you.

To answer I have my proof. I dont need "just faith" to believe. I have my proof everyday i wake up and walk outside, its obvious and is not hidden.

Answer 5

Faith is not logical. Period. That does not mean it's wrong, just that you can't prove it. That's why it's faith and not science.

Billions of people believe in a higher power. Billions of people have sought to develop their spirituality. My bet is they have something there.

Answer 6

I think you've pretty much nailed it with the content of your question.

Answer 7

Absolutely NOT, it is faith that God actually does exist and He does provide for all out needs.

Answer 8

life is a challenge that some ppl just can't handle

Answer 9

i think your right there.
the manafestation of human egotism & self importance

Answer 10

God and Christ is the only god and not a deity.