- NEW!
by Stableboy on September 1st, 2006
Saying religion is a "social reflex" is too simplistic. In spiritual terms, religion is our attempt to resolve the "big questions": who am I? What is the point of life? What is the basis for moral values? etc.. I think the best definition for religion is "that which re-connects us to the Whole". Most religions teach that the Whole is God -- a transcendent being who is separate from us in some way. Other religions teach other variations on what "the Whole" is. But pretty much all religions teach that an individual's relationship to the Whole is critical: that to be happy, one must have a healthy relationship with the Whole.
This is a very abstract take on religion: there are many variations. But there is enough commonality among all the major religions to have produced many books on the subject. Huston Smith's "Religions of Man" is one very good starting point if you're interested enough.
The answer to your question is that in some cases, people are "happy" but its a relatively shallow happiness which won't withstand much adversity. In other cases, people have resolved the deeper issues of their relationship with the Whole, and have done so without participating in "organized religion". But if you find these people and talk to them in depth, you'll find that they have dealt with the "big questions" very deeply, and that's the domain of religion.
by Farino on August 20th, 2006
Religion is merely a set of social rules that have been around long enough to be incorporated into the faith. Laws are religion without the belief in a divine. One doesn't need religion to be happy, one merely needs to recognize what they have in oreder to be happy.
by Perryman on August 21st, 2006
It depends on how you identify happiness. Some have a wider definition of this state or condition of happiness than others do. I know of several atheists and agnostics that will tell you that they are happy, but there actions and words indicate otherwise to me.
I am not saying that I can deny that an atheist that says that he feels he is truly happy, is not as happy as he says he is. I have no means to get into his head or heart and measure his happiness.
However, I am aware of the clear statement that Jesus made during his sermon on the mount at Matthew 5:3
Where he said "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them".
What Jesus means by being happy, however, is not simply being jovial or mirthful, as when one is having fun. True happiness is deeper, carrying the thought of contentment, a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
So those who are truly happy, Jesus shows, are people who recognize their spiritual need, are saddened by their sinful condition, and come to know and serve God. Then, even if they are hated or persecuted for doing God's will, they are happy because they know they are pleasing God and will receive his reward of everlasting life.
I have to go along with the Son of God here and agree that the happiest people on earth are the ones who understand this statement and who truly live there lives in agreement with all of God's commands.
by Scott_R1835 on August 17th, 2011
the teachings of religion are about morality and the institutes of religion arose to enforcing social order in time before civilised government.
essentially the former is a matter of personal belief and the later is an outdated social ordering establishment.
by Twisted Taco on February 21st, 2010
A social reflex is not necessarily what I'd call that delusion
by annihamner on February 21st, 2010
I'm slightly confused at the question as you'll see by my answer, but interested nonetheless.
I do agree that religion is a social construct, but I am completely happy without it. I don't know if it's a psychological requirement, for a social outlet to be religious, if that's what you are asking.
What is a church pulpit used for?
by Answerbag Staff on April 23rd, 2010
| 7 people like this
Is atheism a religion? If so, hasn't congress been by default endorsing and establishing a religion?
by Megan1976 on February 11th, 2012
| 1 person likes this
Do you believe murderers and rapists can go to prison or can they get off? If you are a theist please don't make hate comments!
by Ombliss22 on February 10th, 2012
| 1 person likes this
Do you think people who use their religion as an excuse to hate others who don't agree with them are not really true believers?
by Bootsiebaby on February 8th, 2012
| 7 people like this
Christians believe in God by their Hearts or Brains?
by LoverOfSophia on February 9th, 2012
| 2 people like this
You're reading If religion is a social reflex, then why are so many happy without it?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
It may be too simple for you, but thats what someone said it was to me, so I´m only asking! I am not a simpleton!
by anonymous on September 1st, 2006
Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest you were a simpleton. I do think the "social reflex" point has some merit: certainly religion satisifes certain social needs (community, cooperative behavior, etc.) But that's far from the whole story.
by Stableboy on September 2nd, 2006
Your answer is very good, though some of the claims made in it are highly questionable, such as your discussion on happiness.
by Flynn444 on October 16th, 2006
Hey BAM! Lookie here! My first day on the job and I already managed to piss you off! Ah, the old days...
by Stableboy on December 7th, 2006
SB must you go for the juggler all the time?
by Anonymous on December 10th, 2006
I like your argument, I just noticed that your definition for religion is my definition for spirituality. The social reflex that the asker is talking about here would be my idea of religion. I didn't know if you also separated the two terms, or kept them as one idea?
by annihamner on February 21st, 2010