Why is it that whenever people discuss religion they will quote something that was written in a religious book and use that as if it was undeniable information. What I'm saying is, is almost anything that we feel we should believe is almost always something that can be backed up by evidence we see every day. Also, I feel we should use the brains we have been given, to come to our own conclusions about something. Why try to believe something that we have only been told is the word of god. If someone comes to their own realizations about God then they will truly belive in the lessons they learn and not just follow directions out of fear of being punished. All the answers we NEED are all right here in front of our faces if we truly want to find them. The real answers and not just answers that we want to see.

People want an all knowing entity to be in control of their destiny.Its easier & less bother.This idea also fits in with what people 'want' to happen, not only in this life but the afterlife also.[heaven happiness etc]These 2 'hopes' go hand in hand and leave a vast opening for exploitation.

Reality is basically agreement in a religous atmosphere.Whatever the group is taught will be reinforced when everyone agrees it true.Far fetched beliefs inevitably becomes reality.

I live my life by Bazooka Joe Gum Wrappers

maybe we rely on religion so much because it such an entrenched tradition. Most of us were raised to believe any number of fantastic stories. Additionally, we are taught that faith is a virtue. So, first of all, we are brainwashed and secondly, we are encouraged not to think for ourselves. Most of us just take it and pass it on to our children. Like lemmings. Maybe it all started because people can't bear the thought that this is all there is. People need to know there is more after this life. To paraphrase the famous line from A Few Good Men - most people 'can't handle the truth!'

I think it gives many people a purpose. Most people need to feel they are a part of something and religion fills that void.

maybe we rely on religion so much because it such an entrenched tradition. Most of us were raised to believe any number of fantastic stories. Additionally, we are taught that faith is a virtue. So, first of all, we are brainwashed and secondly, we are encouraged not to think for ourselves. Most of us just take it and pass it on to our children. Like lemmings. Maybe it all started because people can't bear the thought that this is all there is. People need to know there is more after this life. To paraphrase the famous line from A Few Good Men - most people 'can't handle the truth!'


Great answer. Pretty much what I was thinking. I just feel that we should use the tools we have been given to question our own existence and base our ideas on what we see to be the truth. Believing something without question is a very dangerous trait I think.

People want an all knowing entity to be in control of their destiny.Its easier & less bother.This idea also fits in with what people 'want' to happen, not only in this life but the afterlife also.[heaven happiness etc]These 2 'hopes' go hand in hand and leave a vast opening for exploitation.

Reality is basically agreement in a religous atmosphere.Whatever the group is taught will be reinforced when everyone agrees it true.Far fetched beliefs inevitably becomes reality.

what he said^^

its like an insurance policy for life - if something goes tits up it will all be better in the next life. a reasurring way of thinking if you loose loved ones or other bad things happen that are beyond your control occur

The concept of living or treating this life as a 'test' to something greater,is a view that deppreciates the life we now exist in.How can one live this life to the fullest with that attitude?This extravagent creation we are now are part is here to be milked for all the excitement & temptations it offers,not to be treated as some 'test'.
To deny oneself of the pleasures at hand with the belief that such refrain will bring about a better reward is NOT living life,its downplaying life and replacing it with an idealogy.
How is this NOT a disparaging view of our existance on earth?

What is funny to me is that most people want to ignore religion and act as though its a fictional story as long as life is good. Then as soon as something bad happens, something they have no control over, the first thing most people want to do is call on God! Most of us are guilty of this...including me, but I have now realized that there is more to life than the big bang theory and evolution! I'm not a christian and don't claim to be, but in my opinion there is a God and religion is not a bad thing! I think that the religious extremists and hypocrites are the one's that turn people away from religion (I know that is what happened to me and many others that I know)! I use to be just like you guys though and doubt and question everything! Finallly I realized maybe that's what brought so many bad things into my life and that's what changed my thoughts and views about God and religion! I'm not saying that I'm right and ya'll are wrong, this is just my opinon and as we all know....everybody's got one!

What is funny to me is that most people want to ignore religion and act as though its a fictional story as long as life is good. Then as soon as something bad happens, something they have no control over, the first thing most people want to do is call on God! Most of us are guilty of this...including me, but I have now realized that there is more to life than the big bang theory and evolution! I'm not a christian and don't claim to be, but in my opinion there is a God and religion is not a bad thing! I think that the religious extremists and hypocrites are the one's that turn people away from religion (I know that is what happened to me and many others that I know)! I use to be just like you guys though and doubt and question everything! Finallly I realized maybe that's what brought so many bad things into my life and that's what changed my thoughts and views about God and religion! I'm not saying that I'm right and ya'll are wrong, this is just my opinon and as we all know....everybody's got one!

I believe that has to do with religous concepts that are taught to us as children.Where instilled with a belief of a higher being & although it may not be embraced into adulthood the seed has still been planted. When a person is down & out & has no where to go they try the only card that remains & thats prayer.

I believe that has to do with religous concepts that are taught to us as children.Where instilled with a belief of a higher being & although it may not be embraced into adulthood the seed has still been planted. When a person is down & out & has no where to go they try the only card that remains & that's prayer.

Could be....or maybe that is our subconscious trying to make us connect to the only one who has the power to help and guide us through them things that we can't control. That is a good point and it could be right, but I'm now one of those people that can't believe that earth and everything on it (including us), came about by chance!