Religion
In reply to the discussion: How To Identify A Hoax Religion [View all]Meshuga
(6,182 posts)A "Hoax Religion" is a religion where its leadership knows that there is no deity, knows that "miracles or supernatural events" didn't happen but still say they happen, knows that there is no such thing as reward/punishment for belief/disbelief but still preaches that there is reward/punishment for belief/disbelief, etc.
But in most religious groups (I dare say most but I don't know true intentions and beliefs of every religious leader), membership and leadership seem to genuinely believe in their concepts. So, it is difficult to classify these religions as hoax religions. Religious followers may be wasting their time (especially if they are spending time reinforcing beliefs that do not bring reward or punishment) but the religion is hardly a hoax.
Perhaps some religions began as "hoax religions" (i.e., some group came up with a belief system to control the population or for some other political gain) but these religions evolved into belief systems with time and their followers/leadership seem to buy it.