Reply #12: No, it isn't that simple.

[Meldread]

It is a complex issue, and it isn't that simple. Not *EVERY* religion includes eternal life. I'm not talking about a specific religion here, but ALL religions - every religious belief.

When I look at the picture as a whole I do believe that it fills a social need for Humans, yes a social need.

Religions typically have the following in common: A leader of some sort (Priest type) and group worship or fellowship. I believe, fundamentally at it's core that's what religion does for people, Humans are hard wired to have pack like behavior, just like wolves and dogs. Religion gives people that higher purpose, to strive to better the pack (that's something else Religion does: it encourages people to work toward certain goals), and it sets a person or a group of persons at the top who direct those goals (pack leader).

I really think that the undercurrents of religion are hardwired into the Human psyche. I believe it fulfills some type of social need in the Human species, otherwise why would it be so prevalent and still be going on so many years later?