Question 24

Question: Why do people believe in fiction over facts? –aaron

Answer: I’m not sure how to answer this question, but I’ll take a stab. By nature, humans want to understand why something happens. It provides a certain level of comfort to have an explanation. For example, ancient civilizations were plagued by droughts, wars, and disease (kind of like today). They lacked the science to explain these, so they created gods that were responsible for these events. If you had a bad harvest, well that was because the rain god was angry at your behavior. Now this brings up another point.

Once you have a source, or a reason for your troubles, you can potentially create a solution. Some cultures would make sacrifices to appease the gods thinking that next years rainfall would be better. Or maybe they prayed to their god of war to help them in battle. Nonetheless, if they received a better rainfall or a victory on the battlefield, they could attribute that to god. Conversely, if it failed, then they obviously did not appease their god enough, so they must do more. Eventually the rain came or their enemy was defeated and their belief in god was strengthened because it "worked".

Lastly, I think that people believe in fiction because often enough the truth is more difficult to comprehend. Creationism is a great example. To understand the science involved with creating the Universe and all within it is very hard for lack of a better word. Creationism allows anyone to know where we came from and how. You don’t need to comprehend complicated scientific principles or formulas. Heck, you don’t even have to use your brain because your life is in God’s hands ;)

gasmonso

One Response to “Question 24”

  1. 1
    Alcari Says:
    November 20th, 2006 at 6:39 am

    That’s what i’ve always thought to. The main reason for religion is that people just want some comforting. a feeling that they can do something about the situation and that someone is taking care of them.

    My rather harsh opinion, which, not being the one running the site, I can feel free to voice is: “Religion is for those who can’t deal with reality.”

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