Why God does or does not exist

[theVastMinority]

I just had a deep conversation with someone who is Catholic. I generally try to avoid opening up with anyone on these types of issues unless I feel my views would be respected (and I try to be respectful myself).  Unfortunately this person got under my skin and we got into a deep discussion.  Of course when this happens, nobody wins.  I think the biggest beef I have is, in most situations, it's okay to have a different religion (Catholic, jewish, etc), but I feel that atheists and free-thinkers are looked down upon.  I try to be respectful of other beliefs and I expect others to do the same.

Anyway, one area that I had a difficult time responding to - why are the vast majority of people on this planet "religious"?  I'm using the term to mean worshiping a higher power.  Yes all religions are different at least in some small way, but almost all of them center on a higher power.  How can so many folks be wrong?

[joeactor]

Anyway, one area that I had a difficult time responding to - why are the vast majority of people on this planet "religious"?  I'm using the term to mean worshiping a higher power.  Yes all religions are different at least in some small way, but almost all of them center on a higher power.  How can so many folks be wrong?

... maybe they're not.

Welcome to the forum.  You'll find many different views here, and a lot of friendly folks willing to discuss them.

I myself believe that nobody knows the answer, so in a way, everyone is right... and everyone is wrong.
(at the same time?  Sounds like quantum physics!)

Off to check on my cat,
JoeActor

[JillSwift]

I think they believe because of a broad set of factors of culture, society, evolutionary psychology, and biology. Sadly, I'm really terrible at explaining it, so let me point you to a great article that should make you go "Hmm"

http://www.alternet.org/story/123873/why_do_people_believe_in_god/

[theVastMinority]

Hmm...hey, you're right Jill!  Personally, I think the pressures of social conformity have a lot to do with it.

[Recusant]

There is a theory that belief in the supernatural has a survival value, and therefore is part of our evolved nature.  I posted about the results of a study investigating this theory in another thread here.

[theVastMinority]

Thanks Recusant.  Very interesting article.  If true, it would explain a lot about the longevity of supernatural beliefs.  I've just never understood how these beliefs are somehow "exempt" from sound logical reasoning.  People depend on logic in every other aspect of their lives, why not religion?  Maybe this article explains it.

[joeactor]

Thanks Recusant.  Very interesting article.  If true, it would explain a lot about the longevity of supernatural beliefs.  I've just never understood how these beliefs are somehow "exempt" from sound logical reasoning.  People depend on logic in every other aspect of their lives, why not religion?  Maybe this article explains it.

Well... kinda.

I don't think the vast majority of the human experience has much to do with formal logic.
It's more action/reaction if you ask me.

And there is logic to having a god or gods.
In our world, things come from other things.
Baby deer from other deer, plants from seeds, glaciers from snow.
Not too much of a logical stretch to think that it all comes from something else.

Granted, that something else may prove to be fluctuations in a quantum foam, but it is something ;-)

Cheers,
JoeActor

[idienothinghappens]

Am an Atheist and all but i belive in God

[Ihateyoumike]

I myself believe that nobody knows the answer, so in a way, everyone is right... and everyone is wrong.
(at the same time?  Sounds like quantum physics!)

Off to check on my cat,
JoeActor

Is your cat named Schrödinger by any chance?