I am finishing a book on what motivates religious beliefs and practices. The book expands on an article I published in Zygon, which is a science/theology journal. I just joined research gate and wondered if anyone is interested in this topic.
I am inclined to say that what motivates religious belief and practice is our inability to have answers to particular questions on humain purpose. Yet, the pursuit of such aim has led some of the greatest minds known to mankind
If the need for understanding motivates religion, curious people would be disproportionately religious. I don’t think they are. Also, Christianity would not embrace the concept of revelation which implies we can know God without using the intellect. Curiosity may motivate theology or explain why we relate to omniscience, but it doesn’t seem to be the main motivator for religion.
I believe psychology & religion are the feathers of the same bird .For every human beings psychology has the reflection of the mind which is playing his part with the conscious & sub conscious mind .
Our mind carry the energy forces through our intelligence which speaks for the tune of within where our soul resides.
Religion is a gift of parents which child receives at the time of his birth.The end of every religion is to establish peace from the within where human being take recourse to that intelligence which is the governing force of appreciating throu power of prayer , Meditation & any established decorum .
To me psychology & Religion both go together.
Dear Steven,
I think we have a different understanding of the same thing. It seems to me that 'what motivates religion', and 'what motivates religious belief' are two different things.
On another note, I did not refer to curiosity, what I referred to was the "pursuit to understanding human purpose."
I agree with Mr Rohit that psychology and religion cannot be dissociated. As religious belief is first a psychological phenomenon before it becomes a social phenomenon.
Thanks for your comments. The comments give me an idea of how researchers interested in this topic are thinking.
I personally more believe in Psychology of nature. In nature, there are five more powerful and essential constituents. These are: Air, water, fire, earth and sky. All including ,our body, is made up of them.Nature /natural processes are superior.
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