A question directed chiefly at the few atheists amongst us here on AB...

[sandyRoe]

What fault is it in the human character that has led us, in all races, all times, and all places, to 'invent' Gods?

[murraymints]

Because most folk want to beleive that there is something after death

[gollysailor]

I think it all started when neanderthals looked up and thought (assuming they could), who/what put the Sun, Moon and stars up there.

[nailit]

Religion (and thus god)was mans earliest attempt at science. Trying to explain the inexplicable. Simple

[Kristal53]

ah well here are two areas of debate ;-) -firstly if in deed it is a 'fault' in the human character, and secondly are Gods 'invented' or 'discovered'. As a Pagan I worship ( I prefer 'appreciate') Mother nature, the seasons and nature - this I've discovered, not invented.

[Ankou]

the miscomprehension that things can happen in universal nature without some big beardy bloke in the sky causing it to happen.

[Anlyn]

1. Profit
2. Extortion
3. Mind Control
4. Power

[carrust]

It doesn't matter what race you are, or what century you were born in, or what place you were brought up in, there has always & will be Gullible people!!!

[wolf63]

What percentage of the world believe in a God, many gods or, like me, no gods?

I don't think that believing in God is a bad thing - it can help people through difficult times in the life.

I have no problem with what people believe as long as they are people who try to get on with others and generally try and make the world a better place.

[gollysailor]

Anlyn, that would be the RC church?

[Ankou]

that and televangelism gollysailor.

[smart1]

To subjugate and control people.

[Anlyn]

In my opinion Gollysailor, those points are fundamental to ANY flavour of religion.

[gollysailor]

Too true.

[jackthehat]

The 'ancestors' would have no explanation for why their world operated in the way it did and would have sought reasons and explanations as to why things happened as they did.
That supernatural beings/forces were responsible is a very human response.

Which of us has not blamed 'Gremlins' for our minor setbacks or misfortunes?

[Davethedog]

In the early days - Rules - regualtions - a meaning to life - a need to believe that you went on after death. In the main fear.

The question I would ask, if its not hijacking your OP and if it is I will ask Ed to remove this, Why is there a need to persist with Gods?

[gollysailor]

Without God, there would be a lot of unemployment and loads of permanently empty real estate.

[maggiebee]

I believe in God and don't feel subjugated or controlled in the least. Don't think he's some beardy boy in the sky either Ankou.

[Zeuhl]

Human Beings are programmed for survival more than for 'truth'

There is evidence that a belief in a benevolent supernatural force, divine purpose etc assist in species and individual survival.

Even though the rational mind can discern that the beliefs are unsubtantiated, nonsensical and self-serving.

[Davethedog]

Another point, the belief in a deity as man/woman looked at the natural wonders and bounty. Was soon circumvented by the word of man, who talked to god.

[FredPuli43]

It's the way homo sapiens evolved. All humans have had the need for the comfort of the belief. It does provide an explanation for the otherwise inexplicable; humans have inherited curiosity, which is what helped us to succeed as a species, and need an answer to every question; but it also provides comfort. It is agreeable to have some 'higher power' to pray to or appease in times of trouble or worry. Religious people evidently feel soothed by the experience of worship and prayer. We atheists have the rather less comforting thought ,to paraphrase Alcoholics Anonymous, that there are things we cannot change and things we can and we must do our best to tell the difference. (They, of course, make that thought into a prayer!)