Is this need hardwired in our system or is it a byproduct of something else?
Is our ability to discern patterns our greatest ally as well as our greatest enemy?
2007-11-14 20:55:23 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Argamani: do I need one?
2007-11-14 21:02:06 · update #1
Lucid, Pangel: I missed you guys.
2007-11-14 21:02:31 · update #2
jeremiah: Why would god built in the need for some people to find other gods, or no gods at all? Last I checked your religion accounted for a 30-odd% of all the people on this planet. Why would god design it that way?
2007-11-14 21:04:03 · update #3
I think this is part of the answer,
also take into account that man need's to be able to understand the unexplainable and has aways used mysticism to to do.
This was simple to do in antiquity as there was so much that was not easy to explain, the witchdoctors had it easy...
But as man's knowledge and ability to pass down information progressed then so religion needed to adapt and evolve :o) to match this need, hence the development of more complicated and organised religions.
Finally the last reason was for control, as the actions of the church in the middle ages showed that the church was more about political power than actual spiritual enlightenment.
2007-11-15 10:37:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are partly correct but I think that the main reason was to try and provide an explanation for unexplained events at a time when the world was less understood than it is today.
In other words if you can't answer a question (yet) the answer defaults to 'God did it'.
The God of the gaps is being pushed further out these days because we are becoming more capable of understanding the real cause of natural events.
Humans are hardwired to investigate and look for answers and will use whatever tools are available.
The last question you ask - I have no idea!
2007-11-14 23:31:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest reading "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" by Daniel Dennett and "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle In the Dark" by Carl Sagan for more insight into the origins and function of religion.
I'm reading Dennett's book right now and it's absolutely fascinating. I started Sagan's book a while ago, got half-way through and never finished, but I certainly will very soon.
Anyhow, they're both highly regarded and well received. And enjoyable, too!
2007-11-14 21:06:08 · answer #3 · answered by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Isn't it strange that man has a Need for purpose and meaning? That all humans strive for 'perfection' in everything? Maybe that is why humans are never satisfied, because it is a far cry from the unattainable 'perfect'. Humans therefore have created gods (perfection) but are still not satisfied because these gods mirror human characteristics (at the same level).
I am of the argument that since we have this craving for 'perfection' maybe it is because humans were created in fact perfect, and we all strive to get back to that state. I don't believe in 'gods', but in an ultimate being with intelligence and compassion. I'm not dissing evolution, scientists have proven much; what I argue is the Trigger. What triggered all of this. You see? Can I get back to mashing my potatoes now? :)
2007-11-14 23:24:22 · answer #4 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Our need for purpose was built in by God we will assume a God one way or the other either we will find the truth and serve Gods purposes for our lives or we will find another God like money,self,sex,fame,power,drugs and alcohol etc. people searching for purpose and meaning are people who refuse to accept the truth about God if you want to know what that is I suggest you find a new living translation of the holy Bible it is in plain English.
2007-11-14 21:01:50 · answer #5 · answered by jeremiahrootsr 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Death. I think all religion is because we humans have a rather unfortunate habit of dying, of ceasing to exist. The grief caused by the deaths of loved ones gave birth to basic delusions like village witch doctors sucking grieving people in by claiming they can communicate with dead relatives and shamans who claimed they could divine the future. These basic delusions evolved into the religions we have today but still retain the core elements of those early delusions.
2007-11-14 21:02:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Interesting thought...AcidZebra...May I ask what is your purpose?
I think a desire for purpose and meaning in a world that seemingly has no meaning or purpose is what makes us strive for bigger, better, higher things...It is all a part of the human experience...We are what we are...Simple as that.
You explain to me why we are here and what is the reason, if any, for this?
The end logic of the Atheistic way of thinking is...Nothingness...It is all a big nothing...No pupose, no meaning, no point, no reason...just nothing.
That is why the vast majority of people reject it (the Atheistic POV)...It goes against the very nature of what is to be human....
It is devoid of any hope for many...and so it is not logical to many...Hope and the search for meaning and purpose are two/ three human qualities that I pray never fade....
If they ever do, all we are left with nothing...just nothing. What is the point to living with just nothing to live for?
A life without (good) purpose, is a life terribly wasted...
2007-11-14 20:59:51 · answer #7 · answered by Adyghe Ha'Yapheh-Phiyah 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
First of all, let us separate God from religion. Religion is the belief system of men, maybe these men are inspired by God, maybe these men were directly taught from God. I have no idea, but whatever happened you need to completely separate religion from the belief in God. I believe in God, I follow no religion.
2007-11-14 21:12:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
A good a reason as any but there are many simpler causes, especially when you consider the basic fears of primitive man.
I am no longer a primitive man. I was one when I was a baby (well, a primitive baby, then). I do not need a religion.
2007-11-14 21:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think that for early man, life was so hard that they needed to find meaning and purpose. They had to watch family members die as a result of natural disasters and disease ... and I think that played a big part in trying to find some sort of reason behind it all.
2007-11-14 21:24:22 · answer #10 · answered by ?Heretic? 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋