I think that's part of the appeal, but not the entire attraction. I think religion provides people with emotional answers (certainly nothing concrete) about where we come from, where we're going, meaning and purpose, the cause of our suffering and its cessation, the need for community, the desire to be reunited with loved ones, a need for structure, etc. I don't think belief is trivial or indicative of a weak will, but for many people it's a deeply ingrained mechanism for dealing with the world, genuinely a large piece of who they are as a person, and shedding belief is no small matter. Some of us have done it, but it can be a painful and frustrating process, and in many cases it doesn't work out because there's such a strong preservation instinct that kicks in to protect the belief. (I saw that in real time, in a single conversation, with a friend of mine.) I understand that most of us here are free of our religious shackles, and it's fun to point out the ridiculousness of belief, but let's not be too critical of people who haven't come as far as we have. Many of us were where they are, and they deserve our kindness and understanding, and perhaps our helping hand to move a little further along the path to a more reasoned worldview.

Could be.... or maybe see them again.... who really knows but them. I struggled with all that crap. Not any more!

your right like you would find them anyway amongst the 50,000,000,000 people who have died already anyway.

Religion is opiate for the masses and a way of controlling people.

In large part, I’d say you’re right. It always seems their first concern is for me, “but where will you go when you die?’ Then ignoring my answer ...they’ll instantly launch into some glorious description of their eventual realm! Some will name the relatives they’re looking forward to meet, and how everyone’s vitality will have been restored… Honesty, I’ll try not to let them know my opinion ..as not to burst their bubble. And if ‘that’s’ what it takes for life to be bearable for them ...so be it.

The problems begin with another aspect of their religion, seemingly every religion, that of rule setting and punishments in real life. Compelled to inject their doctrine on greater society, limit our freedoms, even our ability to research the truths of existence -- that’s where a line must be drawn.

But, in their eyes, it appears in order for them to achieve one aspect, they must impose another… And when simply clashing with their fellow religions isn’t enough to stop their social over-reach, we’re forced to step in - to protect ourselves.

Perhaps in part....

I think it is mostly that we evolved as herd or group animals, where we felt compelled to gather in groups in order to feel safe and better insure your chances of survival back along the evolutionary path.

Religion provides a sense of community and belonging, which fulfills our instinct to gather in groups and people still get a sense of confort and sfgety when they feel they are a part of a group. This is left over animal instincts, which may no longer needed in today's society, but they are still working and influencing how people (human animals) behave.

It's also Santa Claus for adults.