I am a year late to this article. Thank you for your thoughts. I have 3 siblings who were born again in the 70s 80s. Two have since more and less come to their senses but one is still all in and is regularly witnessing to our family. I have two theories: 1) fear of dying/fear of the unknown; 2) wanting to have the answer/wanting to be in the know/getting that A grade on the test of life. Thanks again for your thinking on this subject. I look forward to reading more.
The "need" to have a religion is probably driven by many factors. I love that you are examining them.
Peer pressure blended with a lack training for independent critical thinking are my top two. For those of us who don't need a club to be happy, we can look at the peer pressure somewhat objectively. Most need a club. Most need a large portion of acceptance.
I am not sure when the critical thinking piece kicks in...or not. I just remember dinner table chats with my sister and parents. My folks were quick to fill me with facts and correct my inaccuracies. But they never attacked my opinions.
I found it helpful to read this fine post but the thought of " babies and dirty bathwater" came to mind. I fully agree with your comment - " While it is possible to believe in gods and operate within the spectrum of normal human mental health, I think there is a correlation between religiosity and mental illness." As I read it nodding yes, the word Balance came to mind. Religiosity has distorted the wisdom of great spiritual thinkers over the ions but I haven't given up on the observation that there are wonderful ideals set forth within enduring religious writings. A cynical read I think we would agree, is where the money is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The psychology of religion, part I
I am a year late to this article. Thank you for your thoughts. I have 3 siblings who were born again in the 70s 80s. Two have since more and less come to their senses but one is still all in and is regularly witnessing to our family. I have two theories: 1) fear of dying/fear of the unknown; 2) wanting to have the answer/wanting to be in the know/getting that A grade on the test of life. Thanks again for your thinking on this subject. I look forward to reading more.
The "need" to have a religion is probably driven by many factors. I love that you are examining them.
Peer pressure blended with a lack training for independent critical thinking are my top two. For those of us who don't need a club to be happy, we can look at the peer pressure somewhat objectively. Most need a club. Most need a large portion of acceptance.
I am not sure when the critical thinking piece kicks in...or not. I just remember dinner table chats with my sister and parents. My folks were quick to fill me with facts and correct my inaccuracies. But they never attacked my opinions.
I found it helpful to read this fine post but the thought of " babies and dirty bathwater" came to mind. I fully agree with your comment - " While it is possible to believe in gods and operate within the spectrum of normal human mental health, I think there is a correlation between religiosity and mental illness." As I read it nodding yes, the word Balance came to mind. Religiosity has distorted the wisdom of great spiritual thinkers over the ions but I haven't given up on the observation that there are wonderful ideals set forth within enduring religious writings. A cynical read I think we would agree, is where the money is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I had never heard this before! Citation?
"Praying activates the same brain areas that are engaged when thinking about or interacting with authority figures. '
Fascinating. I will definitely follow this series.