Does the concept of God stem from a fear of death and a desire for an afterlife?

Answer 1

Life never ends, it just wears out its present vehicle.

Answer 2

The modern concept perhaps.

In the original beliefs, texts, and cultures, "afterlife" was often a nebulous concept---for the ancient Hebrews, it was Sheol, the grave itself; for my Nordic ancestors, it was the burial mound and perhaps the company of one's ancestors . . . even early xianity doesn't *really* have much to say that isnt' obviously metaphorical.

Early concepts of deity are more concerned with LUCK---a successful hunt, a bountiful harvest, healthy children, victory in battle---no matter what the people or culture. It is my personal belief that those who were looked to for luck, protection, and prosperity were and ARE the real godhs . . . and are still approachable on the ancient terms.

This "one size fits all," in-charge-of-everything, and so forth, that's just a political marketing ploy.

Answer 3

No, the concept of God centers around sex.

Sexuality is not just something biological but concerns the “innermost being of the human person. “ To the extent that our understanding of sexuality is skewed, so is our understanding of ourselves. Think how intertwined sex is with the mystery of life. Without sex there would be no life.

The sexual urge taps into the most powerful drives and desires of the human heart. Depending on how they’re directed, these drives and desires have the power for great good or great evil. In short, as created by God, the sexual urge was given to us as a “love instinct” that leads to life. But when it’s cut off from the source of love and life (God), it tends to become a “lust instinct” that leads to death.

Answer 4

Yes and yes.

Even religious systems without belief in deities (think Yanomamo religious beliefs) have some mention of an afterlife or continued existence after death.

Answer 5

Not for me...and how can you fear death when you know that no matter what you're going to one day die?!
God is NOT my concept but my reality!! The reality that no matter what anyone says or thinks, HE will always be MY Lord and Savior with or without Heaven!!!!!!!

Answer 6

Mine did but once I researched my religion and others, my concept of 'God' changed. Now I don't know who, what, where, why, how . . . or if there's a God. All I do know for sure, is that if there is a God of love out there somewhere, I'll be forgiven for my confusion since I've been lied to all my life by those imposing as God's favorites.

Answer 7

To a significant extent. There are other factors as well; desire for control over nature, imaginary friend, desire for revenge against enemies, a source of explanation for things not understood, a sense of meaning for those lost in despair, etc.

Answer 8

I don't believe it does.

And I'm a Christian, and I don't fear death, and I really don't spend all that much time thinking about the after-life. I'm simply thankful for all the blessings God has given me.

Answer 9

Except that God isn't a "concept". To me, He is as real as you are. I don't believe in God, I know Him to exist. Since I know, I'd have to say that I didn't discover the truth by searching for a way to extend my life or because I fear death. But, to understand the world, knowing something far greater than me has to be behind the complexities that govern our world.

Answer 10

Also for an understanding of life. If anything happens, you could just say it's god's will. Easy scape goat.

Answer 11

No. It would be more logical for you to call it a transference of parental responsibility. When we are babies, our parents are for all intents and purposes, God. Once we are grown, we still have that need for someone to take care of us. Hence, God.

Mind you, I call that a coincidence, but it IS more logical than your idea.