Why do people feel the need to belong?

[naomi24]

After watching the Panorama programme on Scientology, it struck me that those who find faith of any description usually feel the need to join an organisation full of like-minded people. I have my opinions and don't need others to back me, but it seems most do and I wonder why? Is their faith alone not enough?

[ludwig]

It's part of human instinct to commune with other people who are like us, who look the same, like the same things, share the same beliefs.
It offers companionship, security, and a sense of belonging. It also helps reinforce our own view of the world to be surrounded by like minded others.

Are there other people who share your beliefs and you don't feel the need to have any contact with them, or is it that your beliefs are unique to you?

[naomi24]

Hello Ludwig, I don't know if others share my beliefs - it's never occurred to me to find out. I've never been a follower, so it wouldn't suit me to be grouped together with others under any banner anyway. I'm happy with my own thoughts. What about you?

[ludwig]

naomi - I call myself an atheist, but not because I'm positively anti-religion or spirituality, it's more a default position through having a lack of belief in anything particular.
I'm distrustful of organized religion. People often say things like 'I have a personal relationship with god', and I think, well that's great, why don't you leave it at that - why do you have trot down to the church and talk to him on masse with everyone else?
But on the other hand I know why - it's because of the reasons I gave in my first post.

[Oakleaf51]

Man is a social animal, and intrinsically drawn to religion / ceremony / the need for security. There are exceptions of course, like yourself, Miss, but in the main, at least in my experience, I think this is so. Other activities fulfil the some of the same things, like the tribalism of football fans. A sense of belonging to some extent. I'm sure a social scientist might go some way to agreeing with me.

[naomi24]

Oakleaf, I feel those who need to belong to large groups of people, whether it be football fans, religious groups, knitting circles or anything else must in some way be a little unsure of themselves. I can't think of anything worse, so perhaps I am an exception. And by the way, I am very much a Mrs - and have been for a very long time - but you can call me Naomi. :o)

[Oakleaf51]

Thank you Naomi. I will call you that. But most people like groups as a cultural thing. The Japanese take this idea to its limits far more than us, or so I am led to believe, (Michael Douglas in the film, "Black Rain.)" for example. So belonging to a group is more common than not, and so sharing a belief also I think.

[naomi24]

Oakleaf, Yes, I think you're right. It probably is more common than not.

[eleanswers]

There are some strange goings on here I note:
1st ludwig you asks a bizarre question: If other people shared your beliefs and you didn't feel the need to have contact with them?.... Hughh? How would she know if they shared her beliefs if she didn't have contact with them?

Then naomi states that those who need to belong to large groups of people, must be a little unsure of themselves. While clearly stating she is a Mrs.. apart from the 'large & groups' naomi you too belong to a group if you are a Mrs.. it's called a family.

Maybe the people you speak of don't have a husband or anyone else, hence the need for them to belong to someone/something..

[naomi24]

ele, ludwig obiously didn't know the answer to his question until I posted a reply.

As you rightly say, I was talking about large groups, but you have a point about potentially lonely people. However, there are people who do have husbands, wives and families, but for some reason still feel the need to belong to large groups who share their interests.

[mibn2cweus]

I have nothing against belonging per se. It's just incredibly difficult to find a group I can justify belonging to. I feel incredibly fortunate when I can find one other person with whom I can share a mutually beneficial relationship!

[naomi24]

mib, have you actually looked for groups to join?

[Theland]

mib - what do you do for relaxation / hobbies / spend spare time, or are you a workaholic?

[mibn2cweus]

Naomi, I find seeking justification for continuing my efforts to retain membership within the human race, given the behavior of many of its members, a worthy challenge prohibiting diverse investments of my limited resources, (in other words, what group would have me? lol ).


Theland, Are you insinuating that I need to relax!?

Imagine, if you will, attempting to cram all of eternity into the space of one lifetime (that bit before death). Other than my legacy, which I leave to posterity to determine, this leaves me with time only for living my life to the fullest.

Given the value I place on my limited time I refuse to consider or treat as such, looking through my telescope or playing my piano as mere hobbies. Workaholic? I prefer to think of trading my productive time for the productive time of others not as a job but as an adventure.

Sleep is my preferred form of relaxation second only to . . . well . . . your looking at it. ~ <�?

[naomi24]

Ha! Why use 6 words when you can use 20, eh mib? :o)

[Theland]

Mib - Feel free to use shorter sentences if you like. I won't consider it patronising, just an acknowledgement of your accepting the fact that some, (ie Theland), have only got a GCE in woodwork, and get lost in lengthy explanations. I'll send you a bag of cyber full stops to help me understand you better.
What about Mrs Mibs? Do tell us.

[mibn2cweus]

. . . that would come under the classification of recreation: gardening, movies, concerts, social activity coordinator, travel/adventure guide; in effect, the reason I'm not here being a pest more often than I am. I'll tell her "thank you" for you!

[Theland]

Mibs - We have had a cyber whip around, and bought these cyber chococolates for Mrs Mibs.
They should have arrived by now, and if you can't see them, they have fell down at the back of the fridge. Look there.
When Wizard gets off his lazy butt and starts to organise the Stoke on Trent festival for ABers, you must come along with Mrs Mibs and we shall have a right old Wing Ding! With Naomi on the Joanna!

[Theland]

..... and hey, Mibs, stop being so careful and accurate in your posts! Don't you know the sheer fun of getting things wrong?
Maybe that's why to me, every night is New Years Eve!

[mibn2cweus]

Not that you haven't noticed, in spite of my best efforts I occasionally manage to get it wrong anyway, sometimes on porpouse. My motto is, if you never make mistakes your not trying hard enough!

[mibn2cweus]

D'oh! See what you made me do?

porpoise . . . actually a dolphin (and a cow?)

you're

Hope that will do ya for a while. lol