MAN & RELIGION: Humanity's Unending Craving for Religion and Divine Worship

INTRODUCTION

Right from the beginning of civilization, humankind has been held by an unquenchable desire for religion and the love of a higher power. From old polytheistic pantheons to present day monotheistic beliefs, the historical backdrop of mankind is loaded with a heap of strict belief and practices. This peculiarity addresses a basic part of human instinct — an intrinsic longing for amazing quality, importance, and association with an option that could be more significant than oneself or the natural. Religion has been observed to be one of the common practices of man, wherever man inhabits, there is the practice of one form of religion or another. Infact, the practice of religion can be considered to be one of the major distinction between man and animals. And this inclination towards religion is as a result of several factors which we shall be discussing.

 

WHY MEN BELIEF:

At the core of the human experience is the curiosity to come to the reality of the reason and purpose for ones existence. Religion, with its claims of creation, profound quality, and hereafter (life after death), offers some answers in which people can deduce some level of meaning out of life. Whether through legendary stories, sacred texts, or by divine inspirations, religions give replies to life's most significant questions such as — Who are we? What are we doing here? What happens after death? This quest for meaning serves as a driving force behind humanity's embrace of religious beliefs and practices. Take death for example, death is something that seem to be a puzzle and most frightening to mankind. Majority of religious adherence hold to their religious beliefs and practices as result of this fear of the mysteries surrounding the afterlife. Man is often always terrified about the occurrence of death. 

The fact that man lacks the foreknowledge about when he would die, how he or she would die, and what life would look like after death, gives him reason to seek for knowledge concerning that which frightens him most and the one place this questions are largely answered is in religion. But the fact that most religion provides answers to these questions bothering man, does not mean that the answers provided are all equally correct. This is because Truth is not relative, it is absolute. 

Over the years, man's interaction with the natural world has led to his realization that certain life events transcend natural explanations. It is believed that supernatural forces influences daily life, prompting mankind to seek alignment with these forces that shape the natural world.

For those who enjoy cinema, it's evident that there has been a surge in superhero movie productions globally. Despite atheists' belief in the non-existence of God or any controlling supernatural force, the popularity of superhero films reflects a collective yearning for a Super Being to safeguard humanity and the universe during times of crisis.

Religion provides comfort and solace during life's vulnerable moments and challenges. Belief in a Supernatural being caring for and guiding humanity instills hope amidst despair. Engaging in religious rituals and prayers becomes a way to express gratitude, seek guidance, and find peace amid turmoil. Additionally, the sense of community within religious groups offers support and unity, strengthening the ties of faith and fellowship. Religion significantly influences both individual and collective identities. Cultural and ethnic identities frequently overlap with religious affiliations, as generations transmit traditions, customs, and values. Individuals confirm their membership in a specific religious community through rituals, ceremonies, and symbols, creating a sense of unity and solidarity. Additionally, religious stories serve as a moral guide, directing followers in ethical decision-making and influencing their perspective on life.

In the realm beyond the physical, religion provides a route to transcendence—a way to connect with the divine and encounter the holy. Believers engage in meditation, prayer, and worship, aiming for a spiritual union with the divine, surpassing the bounds of the tangible world and experiencing the sublime mysteries of life. This search for transcendence is not just a journey towards spiritual awareness but also a deep desire to encounter the divine and be altered by its influence. Such influence is that which possibly brings about the Christians abilities to divinely wrought miracles, healing of the sick, raising of the dead, these are possible reasons for the unwavering faith in their religion.  

Nevertheless, the pursuit of religion and divine adoration is not devoid of challenges. Historically, religious zeal has sometimes led to extremism, bigotry, and conflict. Unyielding commitment to strict doctrines can result in the vilification of others, leading to division, strife, and suppression. Furthermore, enforcing religious tenets on secular systems can curb free thought, obstruct scientific advancement, and slow societal progress. Therefore, while religion provides significant insights into the essence of humanity, it also has the capacity for misuse and manipulation when lies are held in the place of Truth.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the perpetual human desire for religion and the adoration of a higher entity signifies an intrinsic quest for significance, solace, identity, and transcendence. Throughout various cultures and epochs, the diversities and multiplicity of religion has consistently proved man's quest for spiritual truth. Nevertheless, the pursuit of spiritual satisfaction should be approached with modesty, compassion, and receptiveness, as there is but a singular route to eternal Truth (John 14:6).