I've spent almost 15 years contemplating the 'question of religion'. Fifteen years spent long and hard
delving into every facet of faith & belief, every facet of the histories of the major religions - particularly the three Abrahamic faiths - as well as the philosophies that have created and shaped each. And after all of that time, I've come to the conclusion that they are, in fact, the invention of man. As are the god(s) they claim to represent.
Now this is not the typical anti-religious 'metal head' ranting & raving. My love of metal (and it's many dark themes) has nothing to do with my philosophical predilection. In fact, I often find metal's 'darkside approach' comical and at times juvenile. But that's a story for another day.
Anyway, to the heart of the matter:
There are two ultimate priorities or goals that dictate the behavior (both conscious and subsconscious) of all living beings. These two are:
1) procreation (the continuance of the race/species)
2) self-preservation (no explanation needed)
There's a reason why the sex-drive is so pervasive and strong: without it, species die.
Humanity's fascination with sex is entirely natural - and necessary. Again, without it,
we may not have survived to the present day.
Self-preservation is an even larger matter, in my view. And it is tied directly to proceation, of course. Our will to live, to continue, to survive, is SO STRONG that we'll do anything to sustain existence. Generally, when someone comes after a person with a knife, seeking to kill him, people tend to do one of two things: run like hell, or fight to survive! But rarely do we wantonly choose death (of course abberations appear: the depressed committing suicide, etc).
This maxim is, in my opinion, the ultimate driving force behind all of the world's religions.
Tis the reason why we have heavens of eternal life, reincarnation (ie: eternal life), Valhallas,
and Lands of Nod, East of Eden, etc.
It's also seen very clearly in our works of fiction: hence Jedi knights who's spirits retain life after death, vampires who stalk eternity, demons, poltergiests, Patrick Swayze's "Ghost", etc ad infinitum.
These simple factors have created the unswerving psychological need of humanity to instill thoughts of eternal life into it's religions. Mankind simply can not accept the fact that his life is finite. That it will end. He can not accept the fact that his loved ones will die. The inability to come to grips with this simple fact is the seed that's grown into the belief systems of today.
But that's only part of it....
Coupled with these factors is the age-old goal of humanity to organize into tribes or societies.
Early man, over long periods of time, came to the realization that working in unison with
other individuals, as opposed to constantly warring among eachother, would lead to his OWN prosperity, would act to sustain and preserve his life and that of his offspring.
For example, I may be a poor hunter, but John Smith excels as it. He may be awful at
constructing huts, but it's my speciality. Hence, working together then solves the needs of
both of us - again lending to our own self-preservation.
Now when one abhorent individual causes problems within the tribe (ie: stealing the berries and roots that I picked and causing anger & in-fighting) the elders or leaders will exact punishments upon him. Anarachy leads to the disruption of social order and violence - hence placing the preservation of the tribe and it's individuals, in jeapordy.
So laws are devised. And punishments. These are nothing more than an attempt at controlling and limiting behaviors that are detrimental to the tribe's prosperity.
What better way to help enforce the laws than by decreeing "supernatural" punishment? If jail or stoning on earth doesn't deter crime, than eternal damnation & burning might! Hell, anyone?
The concept of hell also helps to placate the mind of a wronged victim who doesn't feel that 'earthly justice' was administered accordingly. Sure, your daughter was just killed, and the perp is going to prison, or being executed, but worse still is the everlasting torture he'll receive in hell!
These concepts are ultimately a form of psychological-self defense....helps the mind rest easier.
Anyway, I do believe that the three Abrahamic religions are the most detrimental to the overall well-being and health of the individual mind and of society in general.
I can go on for hours about this...
