Ever since the first man looked up into the Heavens and started to contemplate his own mortality, he has been creating some type of Deity to help him cope with the thought of death and what comes after.
Originally Posted by Jackie S
Thank you for the rational response. That's really more of what I was looking for. But I wouldn't completely discount the idea of something greater. However, modern religion, and the idea that there is one true religion, and only one acceptable definition of "God" leads to conflict like we've seen through the last 20 centuries, and earlier. I also think the reason that people cling to their "one true religion" is out of insecurity of standing on their own. Someone who disagrees with their beliefs threatens them, and become "infidels", and thus, enemies. Since the "true believer" is on "God's" side, what happens to the infidel is less important, and perhaps the infidel deserves the misfortune or mistreatment directed at him or her.
Furthermore, since there is "One True Religion" there is a leader. And a leader who speaks for the "One True God" can coerce the believers into compliance under threat of hell, or promise of paradise. This is why I'm not a religionist. Religion is control and manipulation.
Consider Jesus. From what we surmise, did he ever mention starting a new religion, or propose that a book be written containing his teachings? No. And the book was commissioned by Constantine, to gain control of a growing movement threatening his control. From then forward for many centuries, religion was government.
Ijs