Humansâ"any animals reallyâ"are meant to think that there is nothing better than them on the ladder of, for lack of a better word, superiority. So I want to know if AG users think that as humans, we are ignoring our natural instincts to have religion, pray to God, etc. And for the record, I am Jewish, and I think that while somewhat contradictory, religion is in accordance with our need for someone to blame when things go wrong.
First of all could you explain why you believe that "any animals really are meant to think that there is nothing better than them..."? I think I would argue this point before getting into your question, as unless proven otherwise, I don't see there to be any scientific backing behind that statement. Furthermore, I would argue that if applicable as a solid theory or hypothesis on behavior that it is unique to humans, or at least as far as human understanding is concerned it is, though it can be dismissed by the fact that it is not close to being universally true as you state there exists human beliefs in "higher beings," be them extraterrestrial life or divine concepts.
Everyone, forget the part about the "any animal really," and Elephunk, I'm not asking whether or not people believe in higher beings, I am asking if, being the arrogant humans we are, is it natural for us to pray to a higher power or God.
Zakyman, could you please answer my first question as to why you believe our natural instincts are, as you stated, to think that we are at the top of the ladder of superiority? Again, is there any sort of academic, etc., backing for this statement or is it a personal opinion?
I don't think it is unnatural for the existence of religion (then again, I am a determinist) as it can be explained by evolutionary psychology as a means by which we attempt to understand our surroundings and cope with the stresses that have been added as technology advances.
Funny, we just had a thread about whether religion was human nature on here :P
I'm not sure. I don't think it's our nature to feel superior; we just feel that way because we are. :P And I know that sounds funny, but it really is the truth. Up against any animal out there, our odds are better than theirs.
