Oh God! or Whatever

[Nadis]

Why is necessary for anyone to follow age old stories written by people we don't really know that much about and yet people of religion claim it as the truth and the way to live?

[Ankou]

indeed. but are you expecting to find the answer here ?

[mibn2cweus]

Unfortunately, many people place more importance in belonging than on being right. They're happy to let someone else do their thinking for them presuming that doing so relieves them of the responsibility of justifying their own beliefs and actions. "I was just doing what I was told!" Even as you read this many are still subject to the punishment of painful death for the failure to do so. And so the battle for reason against the proponents of force goes on.

[jomifl]

Nadis, you will never know because you asked a question and only believers who don't ask questions can know the answer.(or think they do)

[ll_billym]

There are a few 'scientific' theories about how religious beliefs began and were natually selected for in humans,the book the 'God Delusion' has a good chapter on this.

From a human perspective that you can apply to people you know - the reason people follow religion is the same reason anybody does anything is - because it makes them feel good and / or makes their lives easier for whatever reason.