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spook-economics: why people “believe” in god
Published January 14, 2009Views: 293
According to one recent national poll, fully 92 percent of Americans say they believe in God. That should not be surprising as the United States is identified and seen as a Christian nation. Far and away the most favorite god is the one of the Bible, Jehovah. Let’s discuss why people say they believe in God.
Foremost, people say they believe in God because they know that’s the answer that’s expected. The United States is a country that wraps itself with everything God. Ceremonies and games are started with a prayer to God. The courts reference God. God is printed on our money. God is in our pledge. We have songs with God in them. So it’s only natural that someone would say they believe in God. And it’s natural for that God to be Jehovah given He’s the most popular. People usually go with the more popular God of the area, or the one of their parents. If we lived in India, the god of choice might be Vishnu.
It makes sense, both societal, culturally, and economically to claim a belief in God. If you stand up in just about any situation and announce a belief in God, you’ll get little reaction. So what? Everyone believes in God. But say you’re an atheist, and there is no God, and suddenly you have people’s attention. And not in a good way either. You’re now a target for ridicule. You’re seen as abnormal. You’re to be banished or shunned. Consider our recent senatorial race. A desperate Elizabeth Dole tried to paint her opponent as someone who associates with atheists, hoping that the perceived negative association might help her win the election. If you’re given a choice between dealing with a business that professes Christianity versus one that professes atheism, which one would you choose? Sadly, even I might would lean toward the Christian business because of the impression (a false one) that it is more trustworthy. Those that claim Christianity are no more honest than those that don’t, but it’s ingrained in our thoughts and philosophy to think that.
The reason is brainwashing, plain and simple. We are told that we should believe in God from the day we are born. We’re christened and baptized. We’re taught the “I pray the Lord my soul to keep” prayer before bed. We’re taught the “God is great” prayer before we eat. We’re go to Sunday School. We pray before the football game. We recite the pledge with God in it. And if math class gets hard enough, we pray there too. Even when we don’t see any results from the prayers, we continue to pray because that’s what we have been taught and conditioned to do from day one. It’s habitual.
Do people REALLY believe in God? If actions are any indication, the answer is not likely. If given the choice between saying “I believe in God” and being accepted, versus saying “I’m an atheist” and being ostracized, when you don’t have to make any changes to your real beliefs and how you conduct your life, which would you choose? Look at those around you that claim Christianity. Look at those on GOLO that make the claim. Many are liars and hypocrites. Many are mean and nasty. Many do hateful things out of spite, or because it gives them some sort of perverse pleasure. They certainly don’t live and carry themselves as if they really believe, so why do that falsely make the claim? (if not a false claim, it’s a claim made without any real logical, critical thought). The reason is acceptance. They’re accepted within society without question. Saying you believe in God is a no-brainer decision because of all the societal and sometimes economic rewards you reap. It’s Spook-Economics 101.
Bottom line? Your family, your friends, your community, and your country expects you to believe in God and they take steps from day one to make you say you believe. It’s no different than the steps parents take to make a child believe in Santa Claus. But unlike Santa Claus, religion keeps going because not only does it offer power, it’s also big business. But just think how much better society would be if those that claimed a belief in God actually conducted themselves like they REALLY believed in God?! What a wonderful world that would be.
Disclaimer: Yes, I know there are truly some people that believe in God(s). And yes, some that claim Christianity actually try to live their lives in a Christian manner. It seems to be a rarity, especially on GOLO, but I admit that it does happen.
Filed under: Religion
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How un-Christian (though typical) of you. How many excuses can you come up with to keep from answering the questions and discussing the issues? Just admit you’re clueless and move on.
“You don't care what people believe, yet you are very interested in WHY they believe what they do.” – IfByWhiskey
Correct. That’s the driving force behind most discussion and debate between believers and non-believers. I already know WHAT people believe. Been there and done that. That’s probably one of the reasons you avoid answering my questions. You’ve realized I know what I’m talking about (on scripture).
“To call you out on your intolerance.” – IfByWhiskey
Given I haven’t shown any, I think you’re lost. Maybe your spook will help you.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 15, 2009 3:14 p.m.
You're not worth discussing it with. You don't care what people believe, yet you are very interested in WHY they believe what they do. Riiiiiight.
"why are you even here?"
To call you out on your intolerance. Have you not figured that out yet?
GOLO member since February 23, 2009
January 15, 2009 2:24 p.m.
Given your confessed inability to answer biblical/theological questions, why are you even here? To call me a jerk? To demonstrate that “Christian” love?
You offer nothing of substance to discussion. You state the obvious, that you have no answers, don’t intend to try, and you’re upset with my blog. Given I don’t block, delete, hide, or run, you’re free to continue to post whatever you want. But it’s quite apparent from your previous falsehood about me not providing answers, that you don’t really read, or perhaps comprehend any of my responses to you.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 15, 2009 12:11 p.m.
I don’t have much tolerance for idiots. In my last blog you lied, claiming I didn’t answer your questions, when they HAD been answered in previous blogs. I ask questions, you don’t have a clue, so you attack and call them stupid. You say keep them to myself. You call them dumb. In other words, despite your denials, you criticize what I believe.
“What you can't get through your head is that I don't have a problem what you believe.” - IfByWhiskey
Given how much you whine, complain, and attack what I post (while still dodging, evading, and running from my questions), that apparently isn’t true.
“YOU have a problem what other's believe.” - IfByWhiskey
Nope. I’m not usually interested in WHAT they believe, but the rather the reasons/psychology behind WHY they believe, or don’t (i.e. why atheists such as you don’t believe in Thor).
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 15, 2009 12:10 p.m.
What you can't get through your head is that I don't have a problem what you believe. YOU have a problem what other's believe. No amount of times stating that will penetrate your thick skull.
Believe what you wish. See how easy that is? Are you capable of embracing that concept? Would you rather try that, or cling to your intolerance?
GOLO member since February 23, 2009
January 15, 2009 11:24 a.m.
How could I state that God is not real, does not exist, and is a creation of man without you taking some kind of offense? I’m quite blunt, but that’s a necessity on GOLO where blogs are quickly pushed out by “caption this”, “wishing you a rainbow”, and “what I had for breakfast” type blogs. The real problem with you is not HOW I write my blogs, but rather WHAT I am writing about. You don’t want to hear that Thor, Jehovah and other gods you believers worship are false, so it upsets you.
And when I ask the serious questions, you attack my intelligence by calling them dumb and stupid, seemingly forgetting that I’m using direct examples from the bible. You tell me to keep them to myself, yet you don’t say that on believer’s blogs (hypocrisy becomes you). You tell me that if I don’t like your God universe, to create me own. You’re the one that thinks you’re upon some moral high horse.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 15, 2009 8:49 a.m.
Oooh, more of that Christian love. Ahhh, feels warm.
“I just have a problem with the disrespect you have for other's personal beliefs.” – IfByWhiskey
I have no disrespect for the BELIEF, but that doesn’t mean I have to refrain from stating the obvious facts that Vishnu, Thor, Jehovah, and all the other gods are fictional creations of man.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 15, 2009 8:47 a.m.
No, I’m not arrogant. I can be, and have been wrong about things, and admitted it. Please try to keep up. Not sure what a “blowhard” is.
“I have never criticised or questioned your beliefs.” - IfByWhiskey
Yeah, right:
“You're just asking dumb questions.” – IfByWhiskey
“That does not my I will address stupid questions and other vain jangling,” – IfByWhiskey
“If you do not believe in God, well then keep them to yourself” – IfByWhiskey
“I kindly suggest you create your own universe...” – IfByWhiskey
“But I feel people people have a right to believe as they wish” – IfByWhiskey
So do I.
“without someone questioning or criticising their beliefs.” – IfByWhiskey
Then you must have HATED to read about Paul in the bible! I do want to question, and I will state facts. I’ll criticize frauds.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 15, 2009 8:47 a.m.
GOLO member since February 23, 2009
January 14, 2009 8:33 p.m.
No, I’m not arrogant. Perhaps you have me confused with Steve Crisp. Now, if I had more money, or did a little better at Trivia Pursuit, I might would be a little arrogant.
“sanctimonious” – IfByWhiskey
No. At least not according to the definition I just looked up. Perhaps you need a dictionary.
“jerk” – IfByWhiskey
I don’t usually mean to be a jerk, unless it’s a defensive tactic, like countering your barbs on my blog.
I can almost feel the Christian love of Jesus flowing through you. Say something else so I can bask in it.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
January 14, 2009 7:49 p.m.
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