Where did the Big Bang Come from?

[steverhcp02]

Soriku said:

steverhcp02 said:

Again it goes to back to controlling masses. Why do you think the cornerstone of the faith is donation and poverty? All the while the entire premise of it is "trust me"? Religion capitalized on peoples desire for purpose and still does to an extent. Even if you're a serf or peasant if this life isnt all there is then thats a lot better and more promising because you will never ascend socially (during the "teachings/scripture" era and even today: see the american dream conundrum). Also, it is no coincidence that the cornerstone of faith is living poor (or donating so to speak) so you have both segments locked up. Control peasants from uprising and harness the rich so that their money can buy eternal happiness.

When religion is studied through social contexts rooted in historical substance and the acquisition of power it plays out as nothing more than a brilliant social ploy.  

It makes sense for the poor, and their purpose is to just have a better life, even if it's not on Earth. But then I wonder about people who are better off, and what kind of "true" purpose they gain.

The fear of death. I am a nurse in America and do a lot of projects for my masters program on health care costs/public health/access to care.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelbell/2013/01/10/why-5-of-patients-create-50-of-health-care-costs/

Not wanting to die or wanting assurance that death is not the end transcends cultures. The reason I believe religion to be so successful is it preys on this inherant fear of death that exists. you would think for a country that is a "christian nation" and the elected leader swears on the bible we would be more okay with dying and actually welcome it, no? This is the greatest question I have. If an athlete scores a touchdown or someone does well they praise god but never blame it for failure. God enables all success but is not responsible for any failure. Why do we (IE religious folks), while living, fight so hard to keep living in the face of sure death? Suicide is viewed as a sin in most religious institutions because if you sell someone on eternal afterlife whats to stop them from ending it to get there (then they cant spread the word and donate money). Again, it is a brilliant scheme to control the masses. All that is good comes from God, all that is bad is because you werent devout enough. People bought it because it was their only hope. they didnt have knowledge, access to education or money. The same reason, and im not sterotyping, that most people who identify as atheist/agnostic know more about religion that those who practice it. Atheist/agnostics are also overall, better educated. Seeking truth is not part of religion, accepting without questioning is a cornerstone, however.

http://www.pewforum.org/2010/09/28/u-s-religious-knowledge-survey/

EDIT: For the rich, it is simply greed. The idea of everlasting life, you can donate, feel important, justify sins at the expense of donation. All the while corruption, pedophilia can be explained away or forgiven weekly. A built in "out" clause. Perfect.