>I think that in the very begining, when God came about in people's minds, it
>was indeed to explain the phenomenon which we can now understand through our
>scientific advances. But then, it may well have become ingrained in human
>nature to beleive in a God, not only to explain the unexplained, but also to
>offer some kind of reassurance to the people.
Stephen J. Gould (who I know some of you disagree with) wrote an excellent
essay which appeared in "Bully For Brontasaursous" (which i believe was
titled 'Cooperstown Giant' but i am not sure) which discusses this point.
He related the invention of baseball to why people believe in god.
Basically, people will gravitate toward the easiest explanation of anything,
as well as what ever makes them feel at ease or reassured. Gould offered
the invention of baseball as an example. Gould writes that baseball
actually evolved from cricket. English factory workers started changing the
rules of cricket so that it could be played in 1 to 2 hours verses hours or
even multiple days. This form of cricket migrated to the US and became what
baseball is today. Gould contends that people would rather believe that
baseball was invented by Admiral Doubleday in Cooperstown because it's
easier to understand, and it means that it is truly an American sport which
makes them feel better. Any notions of it evolving from cricket have been
squished over years.
Beleiving in god is simply reassuring and easy to understand. It's the easy
out.
Mike Blum
Automated Trading Desk
Mount Pleasant Brokerage Services
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mike@atdesk.com
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