The nature of religon

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

Personally, and this is only personally, I think religion is archaeic and has no real purpose but to offer salvation to those who are lost among humanity or need an imaginary reason why things are.

I agree with most of this. Since most people don't consider their god(s) to be imaginary, I don't really see it the way you put it.

For a lot of people it's a tool used to explain things they cannot rationally explain. Some people are uncomfortable with unanswered questions.

A lot of self-centered people NEED it to keep them from doing immoral stuff.

Others need it to boost their confidence. Life is scary, and having an all-knowing, all-powerful being on/at their side makes going out into the world easier.

In general, I think most believers mix these three factors together.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Moon

If a person uses religion as a reason to not do immoral things, doesn't it intrinsically mean they are NOT self-centered?

Of course. What mean is that they need a guide to tell/show them certain things are wrong/harmful.

There's nowhere I can't reach.