Why do have religion?

Answer 1

To answer things that cannot be currently explained through scientific methods of the time and create a sense of community between people of ancient times.

A quick example is lightning. In ancient times, lightning proved an unexplained phenomenon to all observers, hence they attributed lightning as coming from a god. (in this case, my thoughts went to Zeus in Greek mythology)

Humans are a questioning species, and as such when there is a question that is unanswerable to our own limited thinking, we need to satisfy it with an answer. Religion gives an answer and a sense of belonging with a group of people that understand things the same way.

In essence, it can be seen as a cult, only with a nearly worldwide following due to the non-exclusive nature of religion applying to all. There are traditions and doctrines that are developed and passed down through the ages. Children of religious parents are then taught to follow these doctrines from a very early age. This allows for the continuation of religion for generations upon generations without adaptation or change in the system.

This has proven useful in the past as early human lives were frail and death was common. Having a communal connection with 'something stronger with themselves that was looking out for them' allowed many ancient people to keep going with their lives and re-establish themselves when tragedies occurred.

Religion and god-belief are not entirely the same in and of themselves. Specifically, god-belief is an original answer to things unanswerable. Religion is the organization of one or few people's god-belief. This organization compiles answers together and establishes various rules and traditions for people to follow.

For example, there are major differences in the Mayan and Norse mythologies, because they were developed from very different sources, however European and North African mythologies have very slight similarities as events may have allowed for the intermixing of religions. This is especially prevalent today with dozens of sects of Christianity intermingling and separating and changing on an almost constant basis.

This development of religion was a way for a people to feel united and connected, as well as having an answer for mysteries or horrors, like the sun and the black plague.

Answer 2

because people want to believe different things in life. They want to follow who they believe in.

Answer:

There are two possible explanations offered as a secular explanation of the start of belief in gods and other invisible powers that run the world and the caste of people that represent them:

• Early man developed the ability to imagine potentials and seek out clues (right or wrong) that justified his position. As an example thinking that there was tiger in a nearby clump of bushes based on the way bushes moved "proving" that there was a tiger there lead to avoiding the bushes. Whether there was or wasn't a tiger there, he avoiders lived through the experience every time, non avoiders sometimes got eaten. Humans preferentially remember things that agree with their guesses and this reenforced their trust in the guesses about invisible tigers. Similar avoidances that led to behavior to avoid high hills during storms (lightning) or the base of cliffs (rockfalls)because some power didn't want you there became a beliefin invisible powers that endangered us
• Psychologists have observed "superstitious" behavior in animals during training. As an example, this is when a pigeon or other critter feels that it will only get the reward for pecking at a button if it bobs its head first or turns around because it did this once and got a reward. Early man may have been successful once on a hunt because he "jokingly) asked a tree, rock or hill for help and was successful. So every time he asked for help and was successful, remembered the times this ritual worked, and concluded that there was a power that helped him.

As time went on some enterprizing individual felt he had more contact with the invisible helpers. People believed him and was paid in food or beads to contact these powers.

Answer:

The word translated in the New Testament, "religion" (there is none in the Old) simply means: "ceremonial observance." That is what "religion" is.

So, biblically speaking, the NEED for ceremonial observance (religion) began when Adam and Eve "sinned" and broke God's Commandments. Some say God's laws didn't come about until Moses... but Adam and Eve "sinned," and "...sin is the transgression of the law..." - (I John 3:4). Therefore, God's laws were from the beginning:

"...sin is not imputed when there is no law." (Rom.5:13)

Just like when Jesus gave Moses His Commandments written on the tables of stone, which the Israelites immediately transgressed, and they "sinned"... they were then required to institute the "sacrificial ceremony" in order to have their sins remitted DAILY.

"...almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood is no remission..." (Heb.9:22).

So, was the "sacrificial ceremony"... the "ceremonial observance" (religion) instituted "in the beginning" of man's existence on earth, when the first parents of all the future nations of the earth "sinned."

It is recorded that both Abel and Cain brought their "OFFERINGS" to the Lord. Abel was a "keeper of sheep" and Cain was a "farmer"... both crops of which God commands a "tithe."

"...and the Lord HAD RESPECT UNTO ABEL AND HIS OFFERING: but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect..." (Gen.4:4-5).

It wasn't that Cain's offering was a bad one... but that Abel's offering included the only thing by which sins are "remitted" - BLOOD.

"By faith Abel offered unto God a MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE than Cain..." (Heb.11:4).

That's when "religion" began... and that's why "religion" is. It's a "ceremonial observance" instituted by God in the beginning that was a constant and daily ritualistic ceremony for the remission of the sins of the people (until Christ) that the nations eventually altered and observed in whatever ways they decided to "honor their gods."

Answer 3

That is an interesting question and one that has been asked many times it would seem that society's that do not have any type of spiritual or religious if you like facet to them don't thrive. A society is a group of individuals that work together and in the interest of each other in order to succeed. they see their society as one entity and they see themselves as part of that entity. If all of the individuals in the society saw themselves as individuals with only their own best interest at heart the society would fail. because of this way of thinking there has been a type of confusion build in peoples minds that there is an overall powerful entity (like a father or mother to a child) that oversees all of this. and this line of thought has developed and become more complex as Wilie politicians and theologians have taken advantage of it to further their own power bases. Never the less without this weakness that leads people into religion they would never have been able to working cooperation with each other to any great extent. the building of the piramids is probably a good example.

Answer 4

While it is easy to explain why religions do exist, it is hard to explain why religions should exist. All religions are based on belief in some supernatural being whose presence can not be proven, and most religions hope for divine intervention in world affairs, when no such intervention has ever been objectively demonstrated. Many religions also promise a reward after death.
Religion does provide many people with comfort in difficult times, as well as a sense of purpose. This is a useful purpose and perhaps a reason to say that religions should exist.

Answer 5

Religion connects you to the majority of mankind, past and present. No ancient society ever existed that did not believe in the supernatural. Those who dismiss belief may be compared to an astronaut floating away from the lifeline.

Also:

1) Religion may assist you in overcoming peer pressure.

2) Religion will often add to your self-discipline, whose lack has led our society to epidemic obesity, drunkenness, depression and ennui, divorce rates, violence etc.

3) Religion may provide you with a whole additional layer of education.

4) Religion may provide emotional fortitude, helping one overcome hardships.

5) Religion will provide a sense of identity and a community, with its ambiance and mutual help.

6) Religion provides a life and a sense of purpose.

See also:

Can you show me that God exists?

Is there evidence against Evolution?

Answer 6

You should beleive in it because it shows you right from wrong.You may think I am crazy but it is true.

Answer 7

it is good to have something to believe in sometimes and be able to have faith to get you through things

plus you should believe in God so you can go to heaven