Why Religion Thrives in Spite of Everything

Although Christianity, in its more traditional manifestations, seems to be in decline, it is still stubbornly clinging to the psyches of the masses. I have developed my own list of reasons why that is. What is it about being human that sends us to the comforting teat of religion? People feel the need to...

Be told they're worthless schmucks. People are wracked by feelings of inadequacy and self-condemnation. They seem to need to be told that their sense that they're evil is on target. It gives them a twisted validation to believe they're deserving of eternal damnation and need to be forgiven their heinous sins by a merciful father figure.

Be told how to live. Our lives are full of choices. Facing choices is stressful. What if we make the wrong choice? How much simpler life would be if we had someone to tell us what to think and what to do and what to feel!

Believe that someone is looking out for them. The world is a frightening place, with much of its workings beyond our control. The people and things we love and rely on to be happy are subject to the whims of nature and other people. The result of our awareness of this is anxiety. One means by which we can manage our anxiety is to believe that there is an omnipotent, omniscient and beneficent being who will protect the things we value. Just send your newly licensed child out on her own in the family car for the very first time and you will be sorely tempted to beg to this being for protection. Just like offering a sacrifice to the sun god Ra in order to secure a good crop at harvest time.

Use religion to control others. Some people can't ever be satisfied with taking care of their own lives. They crave the feeling of power that comes with controlling others. For people of this bent, religion is a godsend. They have a abundant source of biblical verses which they can use to whip their followers into ecstatic obeisance. They can grow fat and rich off the need of others to be dominated.

Golden Platypus is updated often; the easiest way to get your regular dose is by subscribing to our news feed. Stay on top of all our updates by subscribing now via RSS or Email.