The need for religion, not God came up today. In the conversation, I brought up the fact that humans have always looked to order their lives, and religion is another way of ordering your life. There are rituals and practices that religious people do which bring them peace. Humans have a tendency for order so this makes sense. And historically, all communities of people have looked for explanations for things they did not understand. So, that is where God or gods or spirits came in. As we learn more, or have better explanations for things as simple as why it rains, or why the sun rises people still have God in there life. Perhaps to explain the unexplainable? Lost someone you love, well God has a reason. Got laid off of work, God has a plan. Annoying to me but helpful to others I suppose. So, here is a question, what do you do that is a ritual in your life, that brings order to your life?
I do not operate on rituals rather on on a schedule that takes care of my personal and domestic needs. That is unless you call it a ritual to go shopping at the same store and starting my car the same way.
Yes, that applies. I take it you were in the military? If so, that makes perfect sense. My daughter is in the Army and I see that in her.
It's also a form of control. Back in the day when cave dwelling Ape/people roamed the Earth nothing was taboo or 'wrong'. Incest, homosexuality, beating someone to death with a fish and then humping them ..... it was all good. Survival of the fittest. The biggest meanest one made any rules. Of course chaos ruled. I'm amazed we made it through that era. If someone was buggering you every night I can see how an imaginary, all powerful friend might pop into your head. That is what religion gives some people - hope. Once the attacks stop God fades.
Well the attacks have somewhat stopped but we still have God?