Why do only children believe goblins and Santa, but adults believe in God?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Deepak Chopra is a sleazy, money-grubbing fraud.

The book is interesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because those aren't the same things. But, you obviously disagree, and probably don't understand what people mean by "God." You likely think when people say God they envision an old man with a white beard sitting on a cloud directing life on planet earth like a supernatural stage manager. You should probably start this analysis with a book title 'How to Know God" by Deepak Chopra. Very easy read, outlines a starting point for this conversation.

I don't think of God as you describe and never have, even when I believed in him. I hope that knowing this, you will now address my question.

Your question is in obvious bad faith. I will not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Deepak Chopra is a sleazy, money-grubbing fraud.

The book is interesting.

And at least it would advance the discussion above the kindergarten level OP started with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think believing in a higher power, especially when it is done as a group can be very powerful and healing. IF done in the right way. There is power in coming together as a community. But it can also backfire very very much. But I do agree I think there’s nothing different than believing in Santa Claus if it makes you feel good or God or the Easter bunny or whatever it is as long as it makes you feel good and does no harm And gives you a reason to justify our existence

What is the right way to come together as a community to believe in a higher power?

By the way, I agree that belief in Santa Claus or God themselves do no harm but do wonder about adults giving up their belief in Santa and other pretend beings, while keeping their belief in God.

[Anonymous]

Op should take her question and interview people on the street in a busy area.

She can ask them and document the answers for us.

Are you able to do that, op? That way you could get answers from the general public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op should take her question and interview people on the street in a busy area.

She can ask them and document the answers for us.

Are you able to do that, op? That way you could get answers from the general public.

OP here. Interesting idea. Currently, I'd like to get responses from people here. What is your view on the question asked?

[Anonymous]

Santa is a children's version of God.

Why do only children go to elementary school, but adults go to college?!?!

[Anonymous]

I have recently begun researching the psychology of religion, indoctrination, and cults. It is becoming a more relevant field every day as religious trauma is also becoming more relevant and acknowledged for what it is and what it does to human beings.
Indoctrination is a powerful tool. Does any child REALLY question something their parents teach them, for example? You can "teach" a child anything and they will believe it.
Couple that fact with the psychological necessity it both creates and fulfills, and you have the recipe for how and why religion is still around.
I could invent a new religion today, and if I had the power and ability to force every adult to teach it to their children (even if they, themselves didn't believe it), within ONE generation, the entire world would believe my new religion.
That is the power of indoctrination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have recently begun researching the psychology of religion, indoctrination, and cults. It is becoming a more relevant field every day as religious trauma is also becoming more relevant and acknowledged for what it is and what it does to human beings.
Indoctrination is a powerful tool. Does any child REALLY question something their parents teach them, for example? You can "teach" a child anything and they will believe it.
Couple that fact with the psychological necessity it both creates and fulfills, and you have the recipe for how and why religion is still around.
I could invent a new religion today, and if I had the power and ability to force every adult to teach it to their children (even if they, themselves didn't believe it), within ONE generation, the entire world would believe my new religion.
That is the power of indoctrination.

What does your “research” entail?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have recently begun researching the psychology of religion, indoctrination, and cults. It is becoming a more relevant field every day as religious trauma is also becoming more relevant and acknowledged for what it is and what it does to human beings.
Indoctrination is a powerful tool. Does any child REALLY question something their parents teach them, for example? You can "teach" a child anything and they will believe it.
Couple that fact with the psychological necessity it both creates and fulfills, and you have the recipe for how and why religion is still around.
I could invent a new religion today, and if I had the power and ability to force every adult to teach it to their children (even if they, themselves didn't believe it), within ONE generation, the entire world would believe my new religion.
That is the power of indoctrination.

Or at least the entire world would say that they believed your new invented religion. It's my impression, just hearing from people here and IRL, that for some, religious indoctrination doesn't work. For example, I've heard about people who were chastised, punished or kicked out of Sunday school for asking what turned out to be an impertinent question, like "how do you know?" or for just saying what they were thinking, like "I don't believe that."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Just curious". You people are so loathsome. Do you really think anyone is going to stop and question their deeply held beliefs over your idiotic anonymous post?
There is a myriad of high quality writing out there that answers your question. "Educate yourself."

Can't answer the question? STFU, troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s considered silly for adults to believe in goblins, Santa and fairies, but it’s OK, even desirable, for grown adults to believe in God. Why do you think this is?

Interested in hearing from both believers and non-believers.

It's not "desirable" to believe in gods.

It's 2025, FFS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Just curious". You people are so loathsome. Do you really think anyone is going to stop and question their deeply held beliefs over your idiotic anonymous post?
There is a myriad of high quality writing out there that answers your question. "Educate yourself."

I wish you would address my question directly, instead of calling me loathsome. I used to be a Christian, and such language does not seem Christian to me.

When you have to fly in the face of the headwind of facts and evidence, ad hominem is the only refuge.

This is a thread about people who believe in supernatural forces. Facts and evidence are off topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Just curious". You people are so loathsome. Do you really think anyone is going to stop and question their deeply held beliefs over your idiotic anonymous post?
There is a myriad of high quality writing out there that answers your question. "Educate yourself."

I wish you would address my question directly, instead of calling me loathsome. I used to be a Christian, and such language does not seem Christian to me.

When you have to fly in the face of the headwind of facts and evidence, ad hominem is the only refuge.

This is a thread about people who believe in supernatural forces. Facts and evidence are off topic.

Why are you lumping God with the supernatural?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Just curious". You people are so loathsome. Do you really think anyone is going to stop and question their deeply held beliefs over your idiotic anonymous post?
There is a myriad of high quality writing out there that answers your question. "Educate yourself."

I wish you would address my question directly, instead of calling me loathsome. I used to be a Christian, and such language does not seem Christian to me.

When you have to fly in the face of the headwind of facts and evidence, ad hominem is the only refuge.

This is a thread about people who believe in supernatural forces. Facts and evidence are off topic.

Why are you lumping God with the supernatural?

because God is supernatural. Ask any clergy person.