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Title: Why do YOU believe in God? Religion is just a way of satisfying 16 basic human desires, scientist claims
Source:
Daily Mail Online
URL Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet ... -desires-scientist-claims.html
Published: Oct 13, 2015
Author: Richard Gray
Post Date: 2015-10-13 08:44:08 by cranky
Keywords: None
Views: 4737
Comments: 45
The history of the Christian church, the pursuit of personal desire has been frowned upon and at times even fervently discouraged. But a new theory of why people believe in God has claimed that religion is simply an attempt to satisfy 16 basic human desires that afflict all human beings. Professor Steven Reiss, a psychologist at Ohio State University, claims this may also help to explain why many of the world's major religions are so wracked with contradictions. Religious belief is more about meeting a complex mix of 16 basic human desires than an attempt to find a greater meaning, according to psychologist Professor Steven Reiss. He says people will seek out religion to help them feel part of a family, for example, such as during Catholic mass (pictured) He insists it's impossible to boil religion down to a single motivation and that to be successful a religion needs to appeal to the various of human nature. So while people who are humble may find the idea of an all-powerful God appealing, those who are status seeking will find the idea that God made humans in his own image attractive. Professor Reiss said: 'It doesn't matter whether God exists or not as religious belief is aimed at fulfilling our basic human desires. 'If you want to build a religion that will have a lot of followers, you have to address all of the human desires in strong form and weak form. 'If you insist the only way to reach God is through mediation and study then extroverts will stay away while if you teach the opposite then introverts will stay away. 'You have to have a religion that will support the values of all these people.' Professor Reiss argues previous attempts to explain religion in terms of psychology have been too narrow by focusing on its ability to provide a moral framework or a way of coping with death. Writing in a new book The 16 Strivings for God, he says religions instead address all 16 of the basic human desires at once - curiosity, acceptance, family, honor, idealism, independence, order, physical activity, power, romance, saving, social contact, eating, status, tranquility and vengeance. He said that while everyone has these basic desires, they experience them in different levels and so their motivations will be different. His conclusion looking at motivation after surveying 100,000 people about how they embrace different goals. Psychologist Professor Steven Reiss (left) claims religion can be boiled down to an attempt to fulfil the 16 basic desires that afflict humans in his new book (right) Professor Reiss said: 'We have looked at about 270 different religious beliefs and practices and how they connect to basic human desires. 'I think just about everything in religion is an expression of one of the 16 basic desires or a combination of them. 'For example, if you are extremely ambitious, you will value achievement much more than the normal person. God is seen as the creator of the universe, which must be the ultimate achievement, so that will appeal to you. 'If you are a penitent person, then in the wrath of god in the bible will have value to you. But if you are the opposite personality type – a peacekeeper – you will be turned off by a wrathful god. 'They instead have the God of turning the other cheek. 'Religion comes in opposites to be attractive to different personalities of the population.' Differences in individual desires can also help to explain why certain people will embrace one particular religion over another. The tradition of unity within the Catholic Church and the idea of its followers being part of a 'flock', for example, is a major draw for those who have a strong desire for family, says Professor Reiss. In some cases it can also help determine whether someone believes in a religion at all. Professor Reiss claims that certain practices like Holy Communion in the Catholic faith may be part of an unwitting attempt to fulfill basic human desires
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#1. To: cranky (#0)
This yahoo is just now realizing this at his age? The question I would like to ask him is "So what? What's wrong with trying to satisfy basic human desires/emotional needs?" How they come to the point where they desire religion is one thing. How they use their religious beliefs is another matter. Some use them to help their fellow man,and others use it to punish their fellow man if they are non-believers. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
He may be mistaken or flat out wrong. Religion, especially organized religion, is not 'an attempt to satisfy basic human desires', imho. There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can add and those that can't
5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Curiosity Acceptance Family Honour Idealism Independence Order Physical activity Power Romance Saving Social contact Status Tranquility Eating Vengeance I am of the school of thought where someone puts forth such lists they must be complete and accurate. This one is incomplete. The author does not explain people who die for their faith. Unless he categorizes such under "social contact." "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
It is possible the author dose not include desiring to be a martyr as an appealing aspect of religion. In fact, it is possible (given his field of study), he may well consider that a desire to be martyred is a psychological disorder. There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can add and those that can't
Who said a desire to be martyred? People are rounded up today and asked if they believe Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and Son of the Living God. Then when they don't deny their Lord and Savior given a bullet in the head. I don't see that as desiring that bullet. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Outside of Umpqua Community College, I didn't know that sort of thing happened routinely. But, be that as it may, martyr/victim complex is a recognized disorder in the DSM that the author most likely is familiar with ( being a shrink and all) and that could be his explanation for the phenomena. There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can add and those that can't
But, be that as it may, martyr/victim complex is a recognized disorder in the DSM that the author most likely is familiar with ( being a shrink and all) and that could be his explanation for the phenomena. Happening everyday my friend. Maybe not bullets but swords, pikes and crucifixion. And it is not a victim complex that is sought out. These people profess to the truth. How can they deny what they know is true. The real disorder resides with people who want to kill others based on their beliefs. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Because he grabbed my face and grabbed my arm and talked to me, several times. I believe in God for the same reason I believe in my desk chair and the lightswitch.
"My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?" C.S. Lewis Reflecting on atrocities I viewed in Russia, Germany, China, Cambodia, and throughout history the universality of evil within mankind hit me squarely in the face. Like Lewis, I saw I was only looking at the problem. There had to be an answer to the universality of evil. "Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
Ive tended to agree with the essentials of Psychologist Professor Steven Reiss's position for over 50 years, although I have never met him or heard of him until this moment. It was necessary humans to invent a God to meet human needs and inadaquacites.
In fact, we know more about the life of Jesus Christ than about any other single figure in antiquity. The historian Will Durant, author of the massive Story of Civilization, devoted an entire volume of 751 pages to the years surrounding the life of Christ, and he entitled it Caesar and Christ. In it he noted the stylistic differences between the Gospels, but he concluded: The contradictions are of minutiae, not substance; in essentials the synoptic gospels agree remarkably well, and form a consistent portrait of Christ. No one reading these scenes can doubt the reality of the figure behind them. That a few simple men should in one generation have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brotherhood, would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the Gospels. After two centuries of Higher Criticism the outlines of the life, character, and teachings of Christ remain reasonably clear, and constitute the most fascinating feature in the history of Western man.2 Morgan, R. J. (2003). Evidence and truth: Foundations for Christian truth. Biblical Essentials Series (62). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. "Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
I believe in God for the same reason I believe in my desk chair and the lightswitch. You are indeed fortunate that your God revealed Himself to you. Not everybody has been so blessed. There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can add and those that can't
I presume you are referring to jihad. If so, you have better sources than me. There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can add and those that can't
"All I am in private life is a literary critic and historian, that's my job...And I'm prepared to say on that basis if anyone thinks the Gospels are either legends or novels, then that person is simply showing his incompetence as a literary critic. I've read a great many novels and I know a fair amount about the legends that grew up among early people, and I know perfectly well the Gospels are not that kind of stuff."C.S. Lewis
"Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
Professor Reiss is simply one in a long list of Christ mythers. A mud puddle has more depth than his theory (opinion). He reminds me of G.A Wells. G.A.Wells - retired German teacher, amateur theologian and the hyper-skeptics' demigod. Wells is not very well known outside of the skeptical community. It is the curious nature of his ideas which draws attention. There have been Bible scholars who have denied Jesus said the things attributed to him. Few, however, have joined Wells in denying Jesus very existence. Randel Helms, speaking to an audience of secular humanists at a CODESH "Institute for Inquiry" on "A Secular Humanist Approach to the Gospels," said sarcastically, "I think that you can deal with Well's notion that Christianity could have started without a historical Jesus [as follows]: Sure Christianity could have started without a historical Jesus. And monkeys could fly out of my butt." "Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
Sure it is. It's a "Daddy" for adults. It tells them how to live and how to think,it forgives them when they screw up,and it offers them everlasting life in Paradise if they show up at their worship center at least once a week and donate money. What's more basic than having a "Holy Father" that will take care of all your needs as long as you obey him,the expectation of punishment if you do wrong,and the biggest reward in the universe if you obey faithfully? Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
You forgot everlasting life in Paradise where everything is perfect every day. That one is a biggie.
Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
Pretty much everyone but Muslims think that. The Christians I knew and went to church with while growing up saw being a Martyr is something that was thrust off on you as an obligation,not something to look forward to. Given what always happens to martyrs,this should come as a surprise to no one. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
That's not being a martyr. That's being a murder victim. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
Well yes Jihad kills Christians everywhere. Specifically Christians in the ME and Africa. 60 mins did a good piece two weeks ago about a man in Mosul who had a choice between denying Christ and renouncing his faith or conversion to Islam. He chose to convert to Islam. Many others will not deny their Hope. I guess it depends on where one puts their hope in. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
So do the Muslims who think their version of God requires them to do this. So did the Catholic priests that used to boil their victims in pots of oil or tie them to a cross and build a bonfire at their feet for the "crime" of not believing in the Catholic version of God. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
Yup! Not to mention having a "Big Sheriff" around that saw all,heard all,and knew all while the clan/village/tribal elders were sleeping or gone. Law and order/all powerful babysitter. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
I agree.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
You are so negative Pete:)
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
True,but then again,what do you expect from a Heathen? I officially became a Heathen when I returned from Okie to Bragg,and while reporting into the 7th Group the Group Chaplin (a Catholic) asked what religion I was. I told him "none",and he couldn't accept that so asked me what religion my parents were. I told him "Church of Christ",and that's when he told me I was a "Heathen". I told him "Fine,put down Heathen,then." and after that my military records showed me listed as a Heathen. Twice I had to to to personnel after it was mysteriously changed back to "Protestant" and insist it be changed back to "Heathen" after that. Don't laugh. It saved me a lot of time reporting in to another unit because I didn't have to go through that tap dance about becoming a active member. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
I'm not questioning your right to be an atheist, heathen, or agnostic. I have always treated you with the utmost respect. What I am attacking is the denial that a historical Jesus did exist and was responsible for the founding of Christianity. Who Jesus Christ was and is is another matter, and open for debate at another time. My argument is with those who blindly ignore the strong historical evidence for his existence, and deny he was responsible for the founding of the religion of those who follow him.
"Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
Where did I ever make that claim? Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
You didn't. Dr Reiss in attributing the founding of Christianity to his philosophy, rather than to a historical Jesus. He has made Jesus into a myth rather than a historical figure in time. "Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known.” C.S. Lewis, Miracles
I just don't rank it with the need for food. There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can add and those that can't
Not everybody has been so blessed. I know. My most focused work on the matter has been to go collect the tangible miracles, so that other people can see, right in the physics of physical objects, things that cannot be yet are - and then cannot escape the conclusion of the existence of the divine because of the informational content of all such objects. I know from logic and evidence that this is an extraordinarily powerful path to actual belief without having personally experienced a miracle. But I know from experience that very, very few will look at these things with me. It seems as though those who do not believe, do not WANT to believe, and want to believe that there is no actual probative evidence left by God. It also seems that those who already believe are angrily, violently opposed to the approach, asserting (wrongly) that God left no such proofs positive, because that's not "faith". They misunderstand the meaning of the word faith. It means "trust", not "belief". For several years after my dramatic encounters with God I worked diligently to compile those things, and worked earnestly to convey them. Not that God told me to do that, or in that way - I simply wanted to share the truth with the world, to show them all that we CAN in fact know, that God has left the proofs if we will but apply our minds, which he gave us, pick them up, look at them, and really think about what we are seeing. And I still maintain that if a man wonders if God really exists, and is scientifically trained, that if he will not simply play the part of the cynic or the convicted skeptic - if he really does wonder, as opposed to having made up his mind that God doesn't exist but pretending to be open minded - then such a man, on seeing the evidence in its depth, and contemplating the full implications of that evidence, cannot help but realize that there does indeed exist an intelligent, invisible being capable of comprehending our thoughts and controlling physical matter and energy. I'm not a masochist. I stopped trying to teach those things long ago, because the reaction was so terrible from other Christians, and the viciousness of convicted atheists is so acidic, that I find it disheartening.
LOL! That's great. Did your dogtags say "Heathen"?
Mine said my name, serial number, and A+ which was my blood type.
Yup. They didn't want to,but I insisted. Still have them,too. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
I understand that,Gary. I was just pointing out that *I* personally have never said,or even thought that. I did this so next week someone doesn't "remember" that I said Christ didn't exist. You can put me down on record as saying I believe Christ existed and was the creator of Christianity. Or what used to be Christianity in his time,anyhow. Not so sure he would recognize most of it if he came back today. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
I wish I has a dollar for everytime my Mom called me that... :) Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
Nothing new or unique about that. Look at "Honest Abe",for example. He is hailed far and wide as "The Great Emancipator",and he never freed a single slave. Truth to tell,he didn't give a damn about slavery one way or the other,and wanted to send the blacks in America back to Africa. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
They also had your religious preference. Everybody's did. I even put in writing that my religious beliefs required naked virgins to dance around my coffin if I were KIA. Yeah,I know that wasn't going to happen,and not only because of the dire shortage of virgins,but it amused me to do it. Why is democracy held in such high esteem when it’s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)
As if I can't guess who you're referring to... And you do know he'll still say it anyway... Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
I suggested sonofabitch, but apparently it was refused.
Comments (41 - 45) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/LatestNew theory claims religions are an attempt to satisfy basic human desires
#2. To: sneakypete (#1)
This yahoo is just now realizing this at his age?
#3. To: cranky, *Bible Study Ping* (#0)
1 Thessalonians 5: King James Version (KJV)
#4. To: cranky (#0)
THE 16 DESIRES THAT MAKES RELIGION APPEAL TO MAN
#5. To: redleghunter (#4)
The author does not explain people who die for their faith. Unless he categorizes such under "social contact."
#6. To: cranky (#5)
#7. To: redleghunter (#6)
People are rounded up today and asked if they believe Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and Son of the Living God. Then when they don't deny their Lord and Savior given a bullet in the head.
#8. To: cranky (#7)
Outside of Umpqua Community College, I didn't know that sort of thing happened routinely.
#9. To: cranky (#0)
Why do YOU believe in God?
#10. To: ALL (#8)
#11. To: cranky (#0)
#12. To: All (#10)
#13. To: Vicomte13 (#9)
Because he grabbed my face and grabbed my arm and talked to me, several times.
#14. To: redleghunter (#8)
Happening everyday my friend.
#15. To: ALL (#13)
#16. To: All (#15)
#17. To: cranky (#2)
Religion, especially organized religion, is not 'an attempt to satisfy basic human desires', imho.
#18. To: redleghunter (#4)
#19. To: cranky (#5)
In fact, it is possible (given his field of study), he may well consider that a desire to be martyred is a psychological disorder.
#20. To: redleghunter (#6)
People are rounded up today and asked if they believe Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and Son of the Living God. Then when they don't deny their Lord and Savior given a bullet in the head.
#21. To: cranky, GarySpFc (#14)
#22. To: redleghunter (#8)
These people profess to the truth.
#23. To: rlk (#11)
It was necessary humans to invent a God to meet human needs and inadaquacites.
#24. To: sneakypete (#20)
#25. To: sneakypete (#22)
#26. To: redleghunter (#25)
You are so negative Pete:)
#27. To: sneakypete, ALL (#26)
#28. To: GarySpFC (#27)
What I am attacking is the denial that a historical Jesus did exist and was responsible for the founding of Christianity.
#29. To: sneakypeteg (#28)
What I am attacking is the denial that a historical Jesus did exist and was responsible for the founding of Christianity. Where did I ever make that claim?
#30. To: sneakypete (#17)
What's more basic than having a "Holy Father" that will take care of all your needs as long as you obey him,the expectation of punishment if you do wrong,and the biggest reward in the universe if you obey faithfully?
#31. To: cranky (#13)
(Edited)
You are indeed fortunate that your God revealed Himself to you.
#32. To: sneakypete (#26)
I told him "Fine,put down Heathen,then." and after that my military records showed me listed as a Heathen.
#33. To: Vicomte13 (#32)
(Edited)
Did your dogtags say "Heathen"?
#34. To: Vicomte13 (#32)
Did your dogtags say "Heathen"?
#35. To: GarySpFC (#27)
What I am attacking is the denial that a historical Jesus did exist and was responsible for the founding of Christianity.
#36. To: sneakypete (#26)
I was a "Heathen"
#37. To: GarySpFC (#29)
(Edited)
Dr Reiss in attributing the founding of Christianity to his philosophy, rather than to a historical Jesus. He has made Jesus into a myth rather than a historical figure in time.
#38. To: rlk (#33)
Mine said my name, serial number, and A+ which was my blood type.
#39. To: sneakypete (#35)
I did this so next week someone doesn't "remember" that I said Christ didn't exist.
#40. To: sneakypete (#38)
They also had your religious preference. Everybody's did.
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