/sci/ - Science & Math

Religion, belief in God, etc. are survival mechanisms for a large majority of humanity. People need simple explanations for the meaning of life, what happens after they die and so forth, so they aren't preoccupied with this stuff. We have an intrinsic need to believe everything is going to be OK. Simple minds need simple answers.

Personally, my religion is that life has no purpose, except for itself, and when I die all perceptions by my organism will cease. I base this on a scientific observation, having had all senses (including the sense of time) shut off during general anesthesia, a literal "near death" experience. Fade to black, wake up in the recovery room. No dreams, no time, etc. A profound "religious" experience.

After I die, another organism will become self aware (or something close). It isn't reincarnation, rather, it is more like recycling. The only connection is that I might do something in this life that affects the organisms that follow me. In this way, we are all responsible for creating "heaven" or "hell" right here and now.

The Bible and similar texts may contain great truths, but these ideas are misinterpreted, hidden in heavy symbolism.