Faith

[Anita6586]

Why are people straying away from Religion? Is the belief in God no longer necessary?

[lotsofbabies77]

in order for them to believe people expect to many great things from god as proof.

[falcon9]

Why are people straying away from Religion? Is the belief in God no longer necessary?

Such a "belief" never was necessary; it was/is an opinion-based choice, (which is, in turned eitehr based upon 'faith' or, lack thereof).  Since 'faith' constitutes a 'belief which lacks conclusive evidence', such a choice is essenetially irrational.  Therefore, "belief" is an irrational choice to rely upon blind faith.

[Falconer02]

Falcon- what about things like the "God Spot" and such? Do you think it was part of our natural evolution to ensure we survive as long as we could? If so, could that constitute as being necessary (not just with a religious god, but a god figure in general)?

[falcon9]

Falcon- what about things like the "God Spot" and such? Do you think it was part of our natural evolution to ensure we survive as long as we could? If so, could that constitute as being necessary (not just with a religious god, but a god figure in general)?

No, my speculation is that primative cultures in the past inaccurately attributed phenomenon which they did not understand to "gods" and "magic", (since they had no other explanation and apparently needed one).  Further extrapolation speculates that these early 'god forms', (lightening gods/thunder gods, moon gods/goddesses, rain gods/goddesses, fertility goddesses, vulcanic gods, agricultural gods/goddesses and the like), evolved other attributes to attempt to account for other unexplained phenomenon.  These pantheons became somewhat complex for the early folks, (especially the Aegyptian pantheon), and some of them wanted to simplify things by consolidating the 'gods/goddesses' into one 'god'.

I cannot concur that any 'god form' is necessary to survival since each previous attribution of deital aspects has since been more accurately attributed to its actual cause, (except for the more metaphysical and least provable attributes).

[AISHASHOFUL]

People create their own religion these days but they won't classify it as such. Everyone has their own set of beliefs about why they think good and evil exist, how they think people should behave, and what they believe the consequences should be. Ask anyone and they have an opinion on these things even if they do not believe in a higher power. Most people today want to move away from organized religion for various reasons so most people don't see themselves as "religious"

[hammy12]

Religion can be very oppressive. People still believe in god, but have realized it does not take a church to worship god.

[Falconer02]

No, my speculation is that primative cultures in the past inaccurately attributed phenomenon which they did not understand to "gods" and "magic", (since they had no other explanation and apparently needed one).  Further extrapolation speculates that these early 'god forms', (lightening gods/thunder gods, moon gods/goddesses, rain gods/goddesses, fertility goddesses, vulcanic gods, agricultural gods/goddesses and the like), evolved other attributes to attempt to account for other unexplained phenomenon.  These pantheons became somewhat complex for the early folks, (especially the Aegyptian pantheon), and some of them wanted to simplify things by consolidating the 'gods/goddesses' into one 'god'.

I cannot concur that any 'god form' is necessary to survival since each previous attribution of deital aspects has since been more accurately attributed to its actual cause, (except for the more metaphysical and least provable attributes).

Well considering people get over emotional about it, I'm one to think it extends a bit further than just the "god of the gaps" examples you've given. People also attribute love, hatred, jealousy, etc. along with occurrences in nature that were unexplainable. It gets to the point where whenever you approach certain individuals and open a discussion about their deity, they put their shield up and get extremely defensive about it to the point of defending absurdities. I totally agree with what you've stated, but to me it's obvious that there's some emotional attachment/investment in there that stems further than just the good ol' "God did it! lol!" ideas.

[macy332]

Faith is overrated; especially, by the Christian sector. Everytime someone asks if I have "Faith" I look around to make sure Tim McGraw isn't listening. 

[Pewbsicle]

Insecurities the answer, so is variety

[tzs]

Why are people straying away from Religion? Is the belief in God no longer necessary?

YEP!!!!!!! Too much bs involved, too many mis-interpretations, too many people using religion and believe in God as an excuse for their own agendas-good or bad. 
Tooo many innocents die because of religion. Too many hypocrites, WAY too many people up in your business-only to use it against you later!  To me, its just best to be free of all that. To each his own, but this one doesn't need a crutch with millions of others who believe to lean on when things get rough. I believe in myself, I believe in nature, I believe in science, and I believe in evolution. I believe in the tangible.

Some people have evolved beyond religious beliefs, they are no longer necessary.

[falcon9]

Well considering people get over emotional about it, I'm one to think it extends a bit further than just the "god of the gaps" examples you've given. People also attribute love, hatred, jealousy, etc. along with occurrences in nature that were unexplainable. It gets to the point where whenever you approach certain individuals and open a discussion about their deity, they put their shield up and get extremely defensive about it to the point of defending absurdities. I totally agree with what you've stated, but to me it's obvious that there's some emotional attachment/investment in there that stems further than just the good ol' "God did it! lol!" ideas.

A catholic priest, in a moment of openess, once told me that "faith" is what some people have when they haven't got anything.  Happened at an astonishing breakfast during a conference wherein a bunch of catholic priests and some non-catholics were attending separate conferences but, neighboring breakfast tables.  I soon discovered that this was no mere street-level priest but, that the higher eschelon of the HolyC was holding a big conference and I had the ear of one of 'em for a short time.  You bet I asked some piercing questions of him, (which he proceded to answer with an aplomb and candor which was surprising coming from one in his position).  I have no doubt whatsoever that those answers would shock and scandalize at least some of the 'faithful', (while others wouldn't be if 'hay-seus hisself' were to personally advise them to quit stalking 'him' and bugger off).

[davidf938]

No longer necessary? A belief in any sort of God was NEVER necessary!

[jordandog]

Why are people straying away from Religion? Is the belief in God no longer necessary?

I 'strayed' away eons ago after realizing there was no truth in it, only smoke and mirrors. This might explain the recent moving away by many......

[Flackle]

in order for them to believe people expect to many great things from god as proof.

Is coming down and showing one's self to prove you exist to everyone on earth really that much of a hassle that it interferes with gods schedule? I would never ask that much of god to proves its existence. In reality, things like curing cancer, healing the sick, preventing a disaster do not prove the existence of god since these things can be explained without god. If it is really all powerful it would simply show itself to everyone on the earth. It would require little effort on gods part and go a long way to prove its own existence than anything else would. So why doesn't god do this? Could it possibly be because god doesn't exist?