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Since the dawn of time Man has wanted more than what he has Now. Initially he drew animals and warriors on his cave walls, and then he drew representations of an afterlife. Man seems to need to know there is more than there is: which to me seems reasonable, as we’re here such a short time, see what’s wonderful; and then it’s all gone… Perhaps that is why we need belief, which leads to the need for formalized religion?? I’m curious as to what others think.

Read a quote yesterday (which is not right in front of me) about humans needing to believe in some indestructible part of themselves.

It rang true. I think some of us are inclined to try to figure out what makes things work.

First there's How, and then follows Why.

I've always felt that the world we enter is so wondrous that that to think there's nothing further is too sad to contemplate so the belief in an afterlife (whatever flavor you choose) allows for a continuation of it.

Then there's those who have children and want grandchildren, so they can see a continuation of themselves or at least their bloodline to continue into the future beyond the short years they have here.

I myself try to not look far into the furture. Why worry about things that have have not happened yet and may very well never happen. I try to live everyday to the fullest for we know not what the next day will hold or if we will even get that day to live.

Well I beleive that looking into the future as to what goals you want to achieve, but living for the day is a great way to start out. Because life can be cut short so always do what makes you happy.

I'm in a similar school of thought with Bloody Fairy.

as Baba Ram Das said it, "Be Here Now."

Through the "stain" we leave on this planet, we are immortal. We will all be remembered as a parasite that used this world to the end.

Living for the day is all right for the individual but it isn't always advantageous for society. Why? It's that old addages of "always be prepared" or "better safe than sorry". These lines didn't pop out of thin air. When people aren't prepared things like the tragedy in New Orleans can happen and an extreme loss of life. I am not a fatalist to think it was meant to be.

Some studies state we developed certain ideas because it helps us feel safe and not alone. It helped ancient cultures to band together to form cohesive societies. It is amazine what some believe and mostly if research is done in the US it is based on one perspective most often.

Are human beings hardwired for God?

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/2008/are-human-beings-hardwired-god

Excerpt:

As noted by Chris Floyd of Science and Spirit, the chapter devoted to the intense religious experiences associated with some types of temporal lobe epilepsy has aroused widespread interest. Some religious leaders, for instance, claim that Ramachandran has found an “antenna” in the temporal lobes for receiving the presence of God. At the same time, atheists have also seized on the same research as “proof” that “spiritual experience” is just a misinterpreted tickling in the brainpans and nothing more.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-Belief-in-a-Higher-Power-Influences-the-Brain-106445.shtml

Another perspective is here.

According to a study of 35,000 Americans this is the percentages of belief from that study.

■God or a universal spirit: 92%
■Heaven: 74%
■Hell: 59%
■Scripture is word of God: 63%
■Pray once a day: 58%
■Miracles: 79%

http://skepticblog.org/2010/04/20/hardwired-for-belief-in-god/

Me speaking again:
They say this is partly why below. We need something to hang onto that our individual presence here leaves some sort of impact and that our legacy moves into another existence so to speak. Otherwise what is the point really? Our lives are pretty short, so therefore faith/belief gives us something to make our existence have reason. Also to believe we are not alone when experiencing calamity in the world.

Another source had this to say:

Humans are programmed to believe in God because it gives them a better chance of survival, researchers claim.

A study into the way children's brains develop suggests that during the process of evolution those with religious tendencies began to benefit from their beliefs - possibly by working in groups to ensure the future of their community.

The findings of Bruce Hood, professor of developmental psychology at Bristol University, suggest that magical and supernatural beliefs are hardwired into our brains from birth, and that religions are therefore tapping into a powerful psychological force.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1211511/Why-born-believe-God-Its-wired-brain-says-psychologist.html#ixzz0r3k5OUOg

So therefore in my opinion people are fulfilling a need that their brain is promoting. When introduced to certain ideas they are open to the suggestion. My question is why are there some people who are not? We are not speaking of just one religious or spiritual belief but just the idea that there is someone or something greater and we live and go on to another place by whatever name. I would suspect when all is said and done even those that don't dwell on these ideas come close to it when they know they are dying. I would check out Dannion Brinkley who does hospice for his views on that topic.

Sorry for the book or typos, in a hurry :).

there is only now...
Self reflection, self awareness, the contemplation of existence, and the question of the big WHY. Also most have an inflated opinion of our place in the cosmos and say "There must be some grand reason for us being here" Maybe we are because we are. Why must there be some special reason? Is it not amazing enough that we exist in the first place.
People are so insecure about this subject that they will latch onto anyone who claims "I know the answer" follow me.
I dont claim any special knowledge about the need for a creator or god and see no real evidence for it to be the only answer. Maybe existence the question and we have yet to see the answer.

I think people want to be remembered after they're gone. That's why they have children, to carry themselves on. That's why they do things to make themselves be remembered. As to belief, I am not sure as personally I don't really believe in much myself. I don't however feel that my belief or lack thereof immortalises me or some part of me.

.. just struck me, as I dwelt: there has to be more than this Now, otherwise all I've learnt is .. just dust.

What difference to me if someone remembers me after my death? So I'll feel special dead? I won't be feeling anything. The hell with children and a legacy. Livingbreathingfeeling now is all that matters.

Only people who are not getting anything out of life turn to the afterlife as a sort of a last stop open all night ready when you are place to find fulfillment.

Go for it now. Made mistakes? No turning back? Fucked up too much? So sorry, but I got things to do.

Man's dreams have always exceeded his grasp and his vision of Reality has always extended beyond his current understandings. Yet, has it not been discovered time and time again that many of those dreams, when founded upon factual evidences, have been proved ultimately attainable... and far-greater Realities than that perceived have proven to be, in fact, real?

Have not such pursuits so often revealed that there truly is far more "out there" than first considered possible?

A particularly powerful example of this is where Quantum Physics is concerned. As physicists have been forced to concede, the only way Quantum Physics makes sense mathematically and demonstrably is if first at least 11 distinct dimensions are presumed to exist... dimensions we cannot begin to perceive.

That's about four times as many dimensions as we are able to perceive!!!


My observation is simply this: Perhaps we inherently tend to believe that more exists than is visible or immediately perceivable... because, in fact, far more DOES actually exist.

And, as this certainly has proved to be the case throughout Human history... perhaps we ought to trust our intuition more when it comes to concepts such as life after death.

Perhaps we, as Human beings, inherently believe in life after death because, in fact, life does continue after death even though (just as with the many other dimensions mathematically now evidenced to exist) we can't yet perceive such.


- Upir'

Whether we believe or not.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1287121/Bright-green-comet-visible-UK-skies-rest-week.html

Here now portent of tomorrow.Bows and vanishes.

In response to Azure Darks post.

I picture an atheist, and a religious person in a crisis situation, while the religious person is distracting themselves with praying, the atheist is formulating a plan of action.

At it's core faith may comfort the bereaved, or terminally ill. Yet a when
the believer becomes sensational, and pious their is cause for concern, and it is reasonable to suspect that such a group, or person is operating under pretense.

Has faith contributed in any way to evolution?

that would be a thread all to itself.

i think human beings need to believe that they have had a purpose in life, otherwise, what would be the point of living?

.. astutely phrased Pagan. But may I suggest that the so-called peurpose to Life, is Life itself.

.. the rest? it's what we do with that gift of Life.

Why does that sound so familiar? (smiles) as to theoretical physics I agree whole heartedly and have given the subject shown under this very light much of my thought....It would be too long to post and I do not wish to cast pearls as it were but if any are really interested please message me.

Forgive me Quantum as pertaining to string or membrane theory.

While I think it is impossible to know what happens after we die and really no use dwelling on it...I think a lot of the "need" to believe in an after life and a divine power is fear of realizing we really are it, we are in control, nothing is going to save us and nothing is watching over us.

the way i think u should live to day to day because you never know when it going be your last day. no body know today can be their last day that i feel u should live day by day and live life to the fulliest

Pagan, I have come to realise that the reward is also the same, Life, led well.

How many times have you heard someone say, "I'm bored!" Well, do they know how to live, or live well. No. In my opinion, to be bored, when there's so much around, is so-so sad; and speaks volumes of the one uttering those words.

The resignation of sensationalism.

When the individual sets so much in personal astonishment, the routine becomes ban to them, their bar is set far to high. Ecstatic happiness is not rational all the time. I enjoy the company of content people, people that find simple elements fresh, and rewarding.

For someone that have seen so many people die, the term of today here, gone tomorrow, is a super reality. We celebrate our birthday. But, those last 5 minutes of existence , we never know when are coming. (after you stop breathing, you last about 5 minutes. Sound too little, but, can feel like an eternity), Heaven, created for some to attract people. Hell, created by the same people, to attract people. Did you notice, the motive was the same,. COOL!!!

I think having a short life span that can end at any moment, and fear of death kind of forces you to hope that there is more to existence that what we experience here on earth. That for all our trials and tribulations there is a better place to be.

Dabbler, wise words. i agree. its not all about excitement or the material stuff, its about finding joy in nature say, or learning or experiences however small, and i think that is the reward :)

Happiness is fleeting and ephemeral, Joy is lasting.

.. but contentment is more desirable, as it's balanced and 'manageable.' [[safe, an all.]]

"Joy to you, friend. Peace and contentment will fill you. You will know the peace of Landru."

(Capt. Kirk - "Return of the Archons", Star Trek)


;)

Who wants a brain cluttered with " What ifs"?

I accept that people find contentment in faith, what is peculiar is when I see people grasp desperately to as many faiths as possible. This speaks of
the tatics of those who proslatize for those faiths.

I have always found faiths that do not empisize recruitment more appealing, Taoism, Buddism, Bhahi.

.. the contentment I speak of is personal and learnt, through confidence class.

.. by practice, I am Taoist.

Maybe the need to know is actually a memory.

I have no doubt that from the earliest of days there have been those hungry for recognition/power to be had by followers of one kind or another : but there are also those who bypass the drums and fanfares and continue their journey fuelled by the often inexplicable conviction that there is ....more.

Well states sinora, and such rare individuals make great company, they are often pleasently capable of profound insight, and they radiate, even witout being outspoken about what they believe, or practice.

.. me? Currently, tomorrow is enough.

Solar flares in 2012...EU collapse...Middle East war, Asian food shortages...followed by US flux...its going to get really interesting.Survival of the fittest?

Now let me think....who is that Grinz*

Not Capitalism, that's for sure.