Understanding Human Nature and Religiosity

The question of whether human beings are inherently religious or not has long been a topic of discussion among philosophers, sociologists, and theologians. The belief that we are inherently religious can be a powerful argument, but is it truly supported by evidence?

From Atheism to Religion

To start, it is important to recognize that human beings are not inherently religious by nature. They are, in fact, subjective by nature. This means that human beings are driven by their feelings and emotions, and the idea of a higher power often seems appealing, even if it lacks concrete evidence. Just as every other life form is atheist by nature, human beings become religious only when they are influenced by external factors, such as social and cultural norms.

The Role of Nurture and Persuasion

Religion is often seen as a result of nurture, rather than nature. In societies, religions are used to achieve various purposes, such as maintaining social order and providing a sense of community. The underlying belief in a higher power is convenient for these purposes. This belief in a higher power can be fostered through various means, such as persuading young children to say grace during meals or indoctrinating them through cultural and social practices.

Indoctrination and Suppression of Reason

One of the key ways in which religious beliefs are instilled is through indoctrination. This process often involves manipulating the thoughts and beliefs of individuals, often starting from a very young age. For example, getting a 2-month-old child to say grace at the table is not because they inherently understand the concept of a higher power, but because the adult who is doing the persuading assumes that the child will be influenced by this practice. This kind of indoctrination can suppress critical thinking and reason, leading to a false sense of supernatural knowledge.

Religion as a Mechanism for Manipulation

Religious beliefs can be seen as a means of control. Adults who wish to manipulate the thoughts and beliefs of others often use religious practices to do so. The idea of a higher power is often convenient for this purpose because it allows for the imposition of authority and the maintenance of societal norms. However, this does not mean that all religious beliefs are true or that they represent a true understanding of the world.

Consequences and Causality

Proving that human beings have a tendency towards religious belief doesn’t necessarily mean that those beliefs are true. The fact that 90% of people in many societies believe in a higher power can be attributed to the influence of nurture, rather than nature. This does not imply that these beliefs are inherently true, but rather that they are the product of cultural and societal influences.

Conclusion

Whether human beings are inherently religious or not is a complex question without a straightforward answer. While it is clear that religions can be shaped and manipulated by nurture, this does not automatically make them true. The true nature of human beings is subjective, driven by feelings and emotions, which can often create a strong affinity for the idea of a higher power. However, this affinity does not mean that such beliefs are valid or true.

Instead of focusing on proving that humans are inherently religious, it is more productive to explore the reasons behind religious beliefs and the role of nurture in shaping these beliefs. Understanding the nature and nurture of human religious beliefs can help us better comprehend the complex relationship between faith, culture, and human psychology.