Quote Originally Posted by Thorne View Post
Not so surprising, considering that most of us are fed those ideas from the time we're born.
Had problems with the system, but I'll give answering another try.

I doubt that most of us have been fed these ideas from the start. Many religions as discussed before do not have heaven or hell, and quite a number of countries are non-religious whatever the papers might say.

It is not a given, by any means.

Then what's the point of the gods? Why worship beings who, apparently, have no interest in or influence on your future?
Why not?
If the first gods were invented as explanation for natural disasters, the first appeasement would be to try not to offend so as to cause a disaster. A thing of here-and-now, and quite understandable if you food -life - is depending on the weather.
But there are also findings that point to gratitude, to worshipping the powers that give all life.
Both presumably not based on a percieved individual interest from the gods.


I suppose you can have that, but then I repeat, what's the purpose of the gods? Aren't they supposed to be the arbiters of our fate? Be good so the gods will reward you? That sort of thing?
Your guess is as good as mine :-)