The Athiest feels strongly that a GOD of any sorts does not exist and gives a good argument to validate this claim. The Christain, in turn, strongly defends the notion that not only does a GOD exist, but aside from the fact that HE created everything, our salvation and promise of eternal life is through HIM!
For the sake of argument, let us pretend, for a moment, that you never knew or heard about ANY type of GOD and only learnt about this by reading the articles and comments on NEWS24. You will have to agree that it would be difficult to understand how Christians or believers of ANY religion still steadfastly stand their ground despite arguments to the contrary!
THE ANSWER. It is not only about believing the bible! Besides worshipping GOD, there are many more and valuable advantages to be found when joining a congregation. The real question that should be asked is BESIDES SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.......WHAT ELSE DOES THE BELIEVER STAND TO LOSE IF HE/SHE DENOUNCES GOD?
MASLOW’S THEORY. The most fundamental and basic four layers of Maslow’s pyramid contain what he called "deficiency needs" or "d-needs needs. If these "deficiency needs" are not met – with the exception of the most fundamental (physiological): esteem, friendship and love, security, and physical need – there may not be a physical indication, but the individual will feel anxious and tense.
According to Maslow, humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance among their social groups, regardless if these groups are large or small.
All humans have a need to feel respected; Esteem presents the typical human desire to be accepted and valued by others. People often engage in a profession or hobby to gain recognition. These activities give the person a sense of contribution or value.
Self-transcendence is basically when a person seeks to further their boundaries of their ideal self. Cloninger refers to this need as of a spiritual dimension.
Religion provides for all of these needs!
So, basically Christianity, or ANY religion, for that matter (besides the obvious) offers the undisputed and most effective social package for people who have the desire to fulfil their social needs!
Religion is in effect, in many ways, like politics. There are many different parties, each proclaiming to have the answer to the countries problems! It is as futile to attempt to convince a DA supporter that the ANC is a better option, than it would be the other way around, nor would you be able to convince them that it would be in their best interest to turn their back on politics.
Once we take into consideration the very valuable and physiologically necessary “perks” offered to the followers, it will make more sense why Christians or Religious people are so reluctant to consider the views and arguments of the atheists.
Food for thought!
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