Are one's beliefs motivated by desires?

Question

Do you believe that religious beliefs are motivated by what people want or desire, or by reason?

Answer 1

I think people's beliefs are motivated by what they are taught.

Some people, however, can break free of that.

Answer 2

I think, culturally, religious beliefs are motivated by desire (to believe in a greater good, a creator, an omniscient, omnipotent, and/or omnipresent being, to motivate believers to act along a certain line of values, etc.) more than on reason.

While I think individually people can overcome certain of those desires with reason, I think reason is a tool; an interpretation that can be influenced according to what a person desires. Sometimes "rational evidence" contradicts their beliefs, and if strong enough, can overcome them (ex., examples of evolution and carbon dating can negate a belief in "biblical" timelines that say the world was created a mere 5,000 years ago). Other times, reason may be used to reinforce their beliefs and make them stronger. (ex., the infinite beauty and seeming order of the universe reinforces belief in a creator).

Putting it that way, reason is merely a tool that can be used to either reinforce or contradict what the individual desires to believe, depending on the strength of one's beliefs and the credibility and/or persuasiveness of the "rational" evidence. So I guess in either case, that is a yes. Religious beliefs, while they can be influenced by reason ("evidence" or "proof" which can be interpreted according to desire), are more motivated by desire than by reason itself.

Answer 3

There is no conflict between desire, hope, belief and reason.

I find within myself a desire to know my Creator even though I don't know for sure whether He exists. The desire gives rise to a hope that I can find Him. To believe means to "hold as true". Belief is a product of the intellect. A belief enables us to go somewhere or achieve a goal. I believe God exists because I want to seek Him and we don't seek things that we don't think exist. As long as there is no proof that He doesn't exist, my belief is rational.

Answer 4

I think a lot of religious beliefs are motivated by fear of death: the big Anti-desire.

Answer 5

What else motivates you besides desire?

Answer 6

yes in fact that is what religion is Mostly the want to beleive in something bigger than yourself, beieve wat you want but that is why all sultures have some form of religion