Some ideas from religion are based off human needs, so it isn't too surprising for most religions to believe in an afterlife, if not reincarnation (Hinduism and Buddhism). It doesn't need to sound rational; a fair amount of devout followers tend to feel like they are economically and socially depressed, or that their life simply does not work out for them, so the best way to escape it is the idea that somehow a life after death would be much better than the one they have now. This is why developed countries generally have more atheists than developing countries (unless said countries are forcing people to becoming atheist) – some people who have already filled their human needs don't feel like they need religion. This doesn't apply to all people, by the way, and as always there are exceptions.

 

Another idea that most religions have are the sense of family. In the case of the United States, if you don't live near a city often your best way to participate in community events are through a church. The idea of having other followers makes them feel like they're not alone, especially if they feel like they're broken from their real family members. And yet another is idealism; most all-powerful figures in gods in religion come out when people are facing hardship, such as war, famine, or floods. People want to hope that ones who have done wrong would be properly punished, and ones who have done good to be rewarded.

 

But of course, depending on who you are, you don't need a god or several of them to cope with problems, stress, or establidh a better moral code. People have different ways to achieve what they want in themselves, whether it's through religion or without it. You don't necessarily need religion to be extremist, either, which is why I'm not so quick on blaming religion on things.

I think religion developed in response to farmed animals being domesticated in early sedentary society then people tried to 'shepherd' humans similarly, manipulate them, shearing stands for taxation for instance. And in this perspective god cannot be real due to historically decisions being made tactically and deception in-group etc.

 

But upon extensive research poverty attracts religion and causes violence. We even see the religious exploiting the impoverished to help secure a foothold where their enemies were weaker. And we see what happens when religion is in power in a non-poverty zone, they eliminate alternate ideals so people can hold more solidarity. Similar to the idea of the marxist subversion, but in regards to alternate culture itself. That is what christians did to ancient rome and the only reason why they preached peace. They only preached it when confronting a force larger than themselves. Modern people may not know that, but, then why eliminate the indigenous post-christianity? Thats old testament behavior, and proves their hypocrisy and the harm of allowing it power.

 

Then in Texas people are putting creationism in schools, and have biblical propaganda spokespeople. That is harming education, and when we see the evidence the less educated tend to commit more crime. Some say its due to lack of hire-ability. It may also be related to lack of a realistic perspective, studies suggest believers have difficulty understanding the world more, and religiously raised kids mistake fact and fiction more. This lends to vulnerability in a wide range of decisions, and if I had to wager its why riots happen from sports games.

 

Who else would get so emotional and not listen to reason, except those who value their emotional status above reason? Religion is an emotional aid. This means they cannot reason and their priorities are shifted to personal preference and comfort, which promotes closed-mindedness.

 

Its hard for me to not blame religion, when it very well could be perpetuating poverty and violence and lame bills being passed and preventing good ones from getting passed. And where do we see the stupidest politicians? Usually Florida or Texas, Florida is behind on education.

 

Also alot of serial killers have crazy beliefs and weak prefrontal cortexes, likely due to developmental issues correlated with their abuse. Psychological abuse was highest but sexual and physical were also there. All of which is associated with poverty and poor understanding of the world. We even see people religiously motivated in serial killing crimes sometimes, and sexual abuse is higher in religion http://www.vice.com/read/child-abuse-and-the-church-666actually it'd seem most abuses are. Cult mentality and authoritarianism are to be blamed it'd seem. Also, in Ireland which is referenced in the link, they have creationism in schools too like Texas.

 

So just because you don't blame them doesn't mean they are not blamable, and are not at fault, it doesn't change reality. And extremism is certainly easier with religion. And in the usa the poor give more, and a lot of charities have scams and overpaid ceos. If people were more well reasoned and informed, and educated enough to do those on their own it could be prevented.

 

Also this http://thesaltcollective.org/dont-make-take-bible-belt/also this dude coming straight on with a defense mechanism the first instance he speaks personally lol ' As a Christian born and raised in the Bible belt, I personally don’t believe there is anything flawed with my faith.' No flaw, flawless, perfect. They don't even realize what they say when they defend themselves. (text change oh well)

 

So I think they are to blame, for the bad laws getting placed over such a duration of time promoting it to stay lame in the region. Though why gay porn is on the rise is sort of obvious, gay people are more repressed so need to vent to gay porn, simple.

 

Anyways, obviously religion sets up some rather negligent social effects. Can't say poverty causes it when they vote in the laws, and they could just adopt what the rest of the nation does. But they don't cuz they think its sacrilege. They come up with some crazy ideas, then those who make money off of it all promote it more.

 

I can and will blame religion and spirituality. Unless you can come up with a geographical reason its basically already proven.

Source: Why believe?