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The Human Species And Religion

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nailit | 18:12 Sun 24th Aug 2014 | Religion & Spirituality
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Why are humans the only animal to have evolved with a religious nature?
As much as we might 'rubbish' religion, we cant escape the fact that humans, by and large, have a religious nature and a need for religious ritual.
Is it something to do with having a conscience? Do animals have a conscience? Why have only humans developed a conscience?
I'm not religious in any way and if asked would describe myself as agnostic but leaning towards atheism, but cant help wondering why humans are so different from other species of life forms.
Humans can reason, talk (and learn the language of others) and invent things. We are the only animals that cook food, wear clothes and finds cures for natural diseases. In addition we are the only animal that has sexual fetishes...never seen a chimp with a can of whipped cream, a baboon with a porno dvd collection or a gorilla with a gimp mask. Going of the point a bit but why are humans so different from animals and why have we developed religious rituals? No other animal fights over whose God is the right God.
Thanks.
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atalanta@ I am not surprised that the theory of evolution has become so widespread in modern times despite the evidence against it. The real message of this belief is that there is no God, that he is unnecessary.

From where would such a monumental lie originate. Because the day will come went everyone will know that there really is a Creator. He declares: “I shall certainly sanctify my great name, which was being profaned among the nations, . . . and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Ezekiel 36:23) Yes, over 7000 time saying everyone will have to know that “Jehovah is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves.”—Psalm 100:3.

So the future will not be determined by some chance evolutionary process. The future has already been determined by the Creator. So at the end day it is your choice.

That is why he now invites people to use their free choice to serve him. Those who do so will see this unsatisfactory world end, and then they will have the great joy of helping to transform the earth into a paradise.—Psalm 37:34.
//That is why he now invites people to use their free choice to serve him. Those who do so will see this unsatisfactory world end, and then they will have the great joy of helping to transform the earth into a paradise.//

Ha ha! Some free choice! Serve him or perish!
Goodlife, //the theory of evolution has become so widespread in modern times despite the evidence against it.//

Where is the evidence against it? And I mean genuine evidence - not biblical verses.
No Naomi as free moral agents,you too have a choice. No one—including God—forces you to do good or to do bad.

However, ‘If your hearts are inclined toward badness, how can you practice what is good?’ look at this way a dentist carefully inspects the teeth in order to detect erosion or decay before it progresses too far.

Similarly, you need to probe your figurative heart in search of weaknesses and moral decay. Why? Because “out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies,” said Jesus.—Matthew 15:18-20.So what is it you say about God?
Goodlife, are you suggesting that anyone who, given that he has free will, doesn’t choose to serve your god is bad? Please explain that. Why is he bad?
//are you suggesting that anyone who, given that he has free will, doesn’t choose to serve your god is bad? //

No
One can not observe the design in nature when it is clear there was no design in nature. Well unless the designer wasn't very good at detail.
no idea whether animals have religion or not. But we do know they may use sex tools

http://phys.org/news192258277.html

and here's one with a shoe fetish

https://web.archive.org/web/20080427144615/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101904.01B.Chimp_homes.7bca96.html
goodlife - if the future has already been determined, there cannot be any choice. By definition. "Determined" means settled, with nothing remaining to be altered, no further options. Surely you are saying it has already been decreed that we shall not have any kind of choice. You can't have it both ways.
atalanta, I think he's talking, not about us on a personal level, but about the end of the world as we know it. He looks forward to the day when most of humanity is no more. Happy soul. ;o)
Is it possible to think without language?
Define 'think'.
//Is it possible to think without language?//

//Define 'think'.//

That ^ would definitely require language.
Naomi you’re wrong again. You can’t really speak for me. Whatever I say is not what I say but what the Bible has to say. But you have to have an indepth understanding not a superficial one to be able to determine what God is saying.

I am looking forward to a world without wickedness, without terrorism, without war, without poverty, without sickness, without prejudice. But a world with peace, harmony and unity. Everyone will be lovers of God and each other, not like today where there is bigotry, racism, hatred and greed.
However, there are many people who close their eyes to what is actually going on in the world, and I think you are one of them. (Matt 24:14)
Non humans think without language all the time. It is probable that in the past many deaf/dumb/blind folk would have done the same. What you need is some kind of imagery. But language both aids and confines ones thoughts though.
Oh, the irony, goodlife says he looks forward to a world without prejudice. He is the most prejudiced person on this site.
Goodlife, I wouldn’t know how to begin speaking for you – your mindset and mine are worlds apart - but I don’t think I was wrong. You’ve said many times that only Jehovah’s Witnesses will be saved, so it follows that unless the rest of us - Christians of other denominations, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists - and atheists - etc., etc., - convert to your religion, we are doomed. Therefore, since that is unlikely to happen, I think it’s true to say that you’re looking forward to the day when most of humanity is no more.

//there are many people who close their eyes to what is actually going on in the world, and I think you are one of them.//

You think wrong. Apart from anything else, what you and others of your faith are doing hasn't escaped me.
goodlife // But a world with peace, harmony and unity. Everyone will be lovers of God and each other, not like today where there is bigotry, racism, hatred and greed. //

And how is your God going to achieve this? By killing everyone else!

Hitler had the same idea.

Religion is not the solution but the problem.
You talk about irony!

I think it is ironic that you call me prejudiced when really it is the other way round. I am not prejudiced, any man (or woman) who is hungering and thirsting for truth, who is sighing and crying over the terrible things happening on this earth, & acts of violence and terrorism who is seeking better things for themselves and their families, even for their dead loved ones, I am willing to help them.

Even those like yourself, who today deny that there is a God, circumstances change, attitudes change, but if you are humble enough to accept that there is a God who cares, then I am more than willing to help and direct them to a way that will bring peace of mind and heart now and in the future.
Goodlife, //if you are humble enough to accept that there is a God who cares, then I am more than willing to help and direct them to a way that will bring peace of mind and heart now and in the future. //

So your altruism carries a proviso. You’ll help your fellow man as long as he accedes to your wish that he serves your God. Sorry, I’m missing the altruism in that. You need to take instruction from the humanist aid organisations. If there's a god who is just, he'll think more of you.

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