Just wondering.
2007-07-12 07:10:18 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
People have a very primal and natural instinct to want to be in groups (safety in numbers) and led.
2007-07-12 07:13:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A curious question.
The inclusion of the word "still" implies that these people who "still " believe in religion have been given some substantial reason to suspend their beliefs.
Perhaps it is a communication problem: you are aware of the reason, but they have not yet learned of it.
Alternatively, you are separating God and the practice of religion into two distinct categories. Continuing that, you are recognizing that much disrespect has been fully earned by various "churches" and you are wondering why people continue to rely on these formalized religious institutions, and their practice of religion by rite and by rote.
If the latter, then I would suggest it is because people have been conditioned in this manner since early childhood, as were their parents and those before them.
It is really not dissimilar to learning what is good and bad: you are taught the difference when you are very young and unless, at a later stage in your life, you are faced with substantial reason to change, you tend to keep those values for all of your life.
Perhaps a comparison is in order:
A major part of what western society sees as extremism in followers of Islam derives from the very, very, strict manner of teaching. As a Muslim you are not permitted any element of dissent or question when the imam or mullah tells you what the words of the Quran are, and what they mean.
Perhaps the difference between most western religion and Islam is one of tolerance: Islam has no tolerance for those who do not accept absolutely. Even those who hold moderate views are bound tightly by the confines and constraints of the religious practices.
2007-07-12 07:50:03 · answer #2 · answered by Ef Ervescence 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone has their own faith level. Some rely on it everyday just to get through the day. Others rely on it maybe once a week. I guess it just depends on how much faith you have in your own beliefs that you don't let others distract you from what you know is right. I am a Christian and I try and show it everyday. Take care. God Bless.
2007-07-12 14:30:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it represents hope for many people and knowing that there is (most likely) more to life than what we experience here on earth.
Many, many people who are in sudden life-threatening accidents or incidents will suddenly begin praying to God for their very life! These same people professed a disbelief in God previously. Leave it to a life-threatening situation to bring out one's true self and beliefs.
I say it is better to "rely" on something deep and spiritual than material things; money, looks, fame and other human beings. In the Christian faith, I can find no part of it which "hurts" anybody to be a believer.
For me, at 49, I realize that I MAY have 20 to 30 plus years left on earth. I would prefer to have my faith to carry me through, rather than the absence of. By being a believer, I am hurting no-one, not even myself.
2007-07-12 07:23:06 · answer #4 · answered by BLM 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people I know dont "rely" on religion. It's part of their life,like eating and sleeping. You make it sound as though people use religion as a crutch. Believing in God is as much a part of me as my heart and soul. Some people rely on atheism to go through life. Isnt that as much of a crutch as the big bad religion you profess to hate?
2007-07-12 07:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by phlada64 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do you expect them to rely on - money, fame, rockets to the mars, aliens - come on people want to believe that there's something better after we die. something just and beautiful - eternal happiness and peace. You won't find any of that on earth let me tell you. Religion gives you hope - another bite at the cherry. things are pretty messy down here if you ask me. We can try to make it better but we're flawed and it'll never be.
2007-07-12 07:18:16 · answer #6 · answered by Scarlet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on all the questions directed towards Athiests that I just read in here: apparently they need religion to give them a moral compass so they know what right and wrong are. Laws and common sense are just not enough for those particular people.
2007-07-12 07:16:34 · answer #7 · answered by *Cara* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are against ignorance. By the way we rely on God not religion. It's personal.
2007-07-12 07:15:48 · answer #8 · answered by Who's got my back? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not religious, but I totally respect the right of others to be (as long as they don't try to ram it down my throat). Contrary to what some are saying here, I know some very intelligent people that are religious and some very stupid people that are atheists, so intelligence has nothing to do with it. I think it's usually based on family influence.
2007-07-12 07:19:54 · answer #9 · answered by Steve W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some of us have relationship, not religion. It's not based on ritualistic culture and it's certainly not a reason to feel sorry for anyone. It brings hope, peace, comfort, answers, love, and forgiveness. It's more than religion to those of us who share a relationship with Jesus.
I hope this helps :)
2007-07-12 07:19:39 · answer #10 · answered by juliefrnsn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The need for some people to have a frightening father figure in their lives to keep them from giving up all hope and doing bad things.
It is really a great way to control the masses, but common sense and science will eventually win.
2007-07-12 07:14:12 · answer #11 · answered by dusmul78 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋