Self analysis

TBC: A skeptic compiled a list of "reasons" why religious people believe the things they do. The list follows. Yet it seems to be a case of selective application, i.e., not seeing how similar accusations apply to so-called atheists. Our points are made in brackets:

"If the religious teachings contain a confidence game, why do so many people believe them? There are several reasons:

impressive religious ceremonies and sermons [How many award ceremonies do unbelievers have?]

peer pressure [How many otherwise qualified scientists are blackballed because their documented research conflicts with the "party line?" The recent retribution against Smithsonian scientist and editor Richard Steinberg for publishing a paper by a proponent of Intelligent Design. The merit of the paper was not addressed, but Steinber’s immediate supervisor was asked questions like, “is he religious? Is he a right-wing conservative?”]

need to conform and be accepted in the society [Even unbelievers recognize this. Classic example: Hollywood]

ignorance of science [It is instructive to go over the numerous frauds littering evolution’s history]

avoidance of comparative religion [The news media's recent token recognition of their abysmal knowledge concerning "people of faith" is telling. In short, they have been writing about those they have avoided.]

mental fatigue and passivity; lack of curiosity [Try an experiment. Go to a "progressive" political rally with a few pertinent questions that depart from the politically correct agenda. See what answers you get.]

gullibility and habit [The rise of occult beliefs during the decline of the traditional church shows that "science" is no antidote for gullibility.]

anxiety from doubting one's customary beliefs; people do not like having their beliefs challenged [Go to almost any "skeptic’s" website and see how often any challenge of their belief system is referred to as a "jihad."]

need for optimism and hope [This is endemic to humanity and hopefully will generate actual questions. It also is an oblique admission that skeptics and so-called atheists can truly offer no hope.]

need of members to feel useful and worthy

low self-esteem [These two are certainly not the reserve of "believers" in view of public education’s efforts to increase the self esteem of those they teach.]

community respect for the religious leaders, members and their beliefs [Ditto for "scientific," political, or philosophical leaders. Consider the fawning over personalities such as the late Carl Sagan.]

impression that religion is necessary for societies [Compare that with the mantra that "evolution" is the (absolutely undemonstrated) is part of the foundation of knowledge and hence, society.]

power and influence of the religious institution [Ditto. Apparently the writer is under the delusion that power and influence are lacking in other institutions.]

coercion; force and fear [Loss of academic standing, position, or one's job certainly generates fear in those who would challenge politically correct beliefs. Take an objective look at the experience of African Americans who define themselves (often because of belief) as conservatives.]

personal benefits from the institution [Public esteem, monetary rewards, and other benefits are demonstrable for every system of man.]