On Religion...

• Welcome to the BOL Forum on Evolutionary Psychology by John Grohol, 3/19/97
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    • further speculation by bill, 5/29/98
      
      

I feel that religion is (wo)man's attempt to better cope with the unknown, harsh stresses of everyday life. Every culture has it (religion) in some form or the other. The Hindu's, Chinese, Native American's, Europeans, you get the picture. All of them are different from each other. Of course, some more than others. But all seem to have at least one central theme: To do that which gives the believer the greatest possible benefit. This is why I ultimately feel that religion is an elaborate man-made scheme to better one's own individual outcome. Those religions that are still thriving today are the ones that have built the best foundation, and are more easily adapted to changing times. Much like the American Constitution. Christianity, specifically, is a very hard religion to knock. It has been tailored with many counter defenses that are standing to this very day. To show you just how powerful it is, let's say that at some point down the road scientists, through show of evidence, convince nearly everyone that evolution is right, and creation is wrong. A Christianity seed will still be able to sprout because of the clause in Jesus' "contract" that says that HIS followers will be persecuted for HIS sake. I had once been told that religion was a device or tool used to control the masses. I had originally discounted it with great anger, but now I'm not so sure. What better way for the rich to keep the poor working tirelessly in the fields? Why should one who has a heavenly life on earth need to look forward to an afterlife?

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