Why was god invented?

[Socialist Dem]

[fshrink]

1. All of the above

But monotheism is by far the worst thing that happened to humanity.

[goddess40]

8. agree, and to enslave women

Are there any religions that don't justify enslaving women?

[Sabriel]

2. So there would be an anagram for "dog."

At least that's what I always heard....

[displacedtexan]

3. To gain power... The shaman always eats.

Yeah, the most charismatic guy could make your fears subside, and you naturally want to reward him, don't you?

Church elders always enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.

[slutticus]

4. All of the above

[LostInAnomie]

5. Depends on which "God" you are talking about...

... Many of the very ancient religions didn't believe that their gods were benevolent at all. They only worshiped them so they wouldn't torment their lives. They had no hope of an after life, and no moral connection to their deity.

I really believe that the God many worship today was created originally as a method to explain the unknown, but has evolved as a means to shape society in the way that the religious leaders see fit.

[Socialist Dem]

6. Sheesh, I guess I should answer my own question huh?

My opinion, First, gods were invented to explain why the volcanos erupted, or why that tiger happened to eat the best hunter of the villiage while the leaders ran like sissies.

Then, once the leaders figured out that just by envoking their local gods name, they could get the people to do pretty much anything they asked. So, they started asking for "sacrafices" to apease the mean gods. Then, when the people started getting restless, the leaders justified their actions by saying it was the will of the gods....had nothing to do with their inept leadership.

[immoderate]

7. I agree, first superstition, then power.

--IMM

[Endangered Specie]

9. As Napolean said...

Religion is a tool to control the masses.

[fugue]

10. To hide from people the scary truth

that they cease to exist when they die.

Time to grow up and deal, people.