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krhcp
krhcp asked in Social SciencePsychology · 1 decade ago

Anybody with a good knowledge of psychology and the power of religion..?

Okay , so ive been really into philosophy, sociology, and psychology lately and its got me thinking all the time and i love it. Unfortunately i dont think the people around me like it too much. But anyways one example or theory ive come up with is something that kinda digs deep. Its something that a lot of people could have been rewired to do and i think its fascinating how this could and apparently does work.

Okay, so this is it. I had a girlfriend back in 9th grade who at the time was very "emo" and had suicidal thoughts that's she sometimes told me about. I know that takes a lot to be able to tell someone about and usually has gotten to a serious point when ytour telling someone about it. There is nothing wrong with talking about your thoughts and problems but i understand how much it takes to open up to someone like that and talk about such serious things. These things could have been going on for a while and for her they were, i wont go into detail but her dad wasn't exactly there for her. So anyways, she was introduced to religion by her parents, she was an atheist at the time or maybe she just didn't really get into religion the way she has now. She has shown a drastic improvement in quality of life and seems a lot happier now. Good for her, but here is my question.

Does religion really put meaning into peoples lives, where before religion they had "nothing to live for, or no real meaning?" If so, then a good example of this was in the movie 'The Book Of Eli' when the leader of that town was looking for the bible so he could put meaning into peoples lives and get them to do what he wanted to maintain power and create a powerful order over his people.

Im not very religious at all because i like to have a general overview of all religions and not just associate myself with one religion. I know how powerful religion is, but if i had to claim a religion, i would have to claim buddhism it seems that is the only religion that doesn't suck you in completely and you still are constantly thinking about things. Instead of a religion like christianity, where people constantly talk about "turning their lives over to god"

I'd like to get an opinion or anything form a person who doesn't favor a certain religion because thats what they believe in, i respect all religions but i would like an answer from someone who knows a good amount about religions and the power that comes with it. Thanks!

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  • pbal
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I'm Catholic. Catholicism is the only way.

    LOL J/K (about "the only way" part).

    You should watch the movie "The Invention of Lying". Takes a pretty gnarly hit at religion.

    You should also take a look at the book/video on "The Secret".

    Anyways, there absolutely IS something special in organized religion or any kind of belief in something- anything. Something powerful happens inside of you when you BELiEVE. Everyone needs to be empowered in this way.

    Do you want to see something REALLY interesting in your friend? Check this out... IF your friend ever falls OUT of religion, you better be there to catch her cuz if she was suicidal before, her new thoughts are gonna be (God forbid) even worse.

    So, I'm a very analytical person and I can guarantee that there is a higher power (cash back, if I'm wrong). I stick with my religion cuz every religion has an ironclad lock on the truth and I'm NOT going to dissuade someone from THEiR "truth".

    To wrap this up, I have come to grips that you have to find where you fit in in life. We all need to find something to pursue. Love, knowledge, truth, puzzles, etc. You, my friend, seek balance in everything (cop out). You can NOT get a good answer from anyone but here is my try:

    Religion adds you to a community where everyone reinforces themselves with "THE TRUTH". Some religions being more extreme than the next (creates conflicts) but each knows that God is approving of what they are doing, and through the power of God (or gods) they have the ultimate backing to their success. People FEEL this positive energy.

    Unfortunately, "evil-doers" have the same vibes coming off of them. Same confidence.

    Damn, u asked a deep *** question!

  • Think Different
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    People have different reasons for absorbing themselves into religion(s). Some feel they have no where else to turn, some get found by those who are saving or "recruiting" the vulnerable. Some find the idea of immortality and reward that is not obtainable in this life but promising in the next reason enough. Many get taken in by the social camaraderie of having others with the same interest. Religion could have a sociological positive effect just like a placebo. I have seen people helped and hurt by religion. Like anything else in life use and not abuse is the tipping point. If you believe in ghost it is not a bad thing. If you become abscessed with them it could prove unhealthy or dangerous.

    Source(s): edit: As an Agnostic who has dabbled into various religions. I have concluded 'if' god exist it is the existence (all matter and non matter) every thing that is. I like to think of it as the atom recycling bin. Morphing itself as the universe and all. In that regard if I accept there is a God I am a pantheist. All religions try to answer many of the same questions, most modern ones claim only one god and that god is love. They all have a poor way of proving anything or demonstrating it by their angry, selfish, demanding and vindictive god(s).
  • ?
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I think religion is a neurotic delusion....

    But, anyway... It basically answers the questions in life that are unanswerable, such as, Why is there existence? Why do I exist? What is my purpose?, you know, epistemology 101... Anyway, since we don't/can't have these answers people make up their own to feel better, or in other words, they are neurotic and delusional.

    The reason your old girlfriends life has gotten better is probably because of the positive social support church offers, aswell as using god as a frame of reference for ethical perfection. These things are very useful and positive on an individual level! But it damages society because of the disagreement about what god is, what is existence, what is moral, not to mention the clouding & covering up of heretic scientific discoveries (Galileo was imprisoned by the catholic church.. creationism taught in schools...etc.)

    This is a highly controversial subject though, and everything I have types here is only my opinion.

  • joe714
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    you should read chomskys remarks on religion.

    sure. religion gives meaning. it's like joining any club of like mined people.

    some people want to be religious,some people want to be gangbangers, sports fanatics,whatever.

    same difference. except of course how it might effect an afterlife if there is one.

    Source(s): http://www.chomsky.info/interviews/1990----.htm
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