[Nuke]

I don't think it's so deeply buried in the personal phsyche as people think in my opinion, a lot of what holds people back from breaking their own ethics is the fear of external reaction, not internal guilt.

i find that lots of religion try to exploit this phenomenon. lots of people are religious simply because it improves their social status. the church loves this, because people in power (politicians), will often claim membership in whatever church they perceive as the "popular choice", to build their social status. this gives the church a small amount of power to bend politicians to their will, since the church controls the definition of the core values.

[sayoqod]

I don't think it's so deeply buried in the personal phsyche as people think in my opinion, a lot of what holds people back from breaking their own ethics is the fear of external reaction, not internal guilt.

i find that lots of religion try to exploit this phenomenon. lots of people are religious simply because it improves their social status. the church loves this, because people in power (politicians), will often claim membership in whatever church they perceive as the "popular choice", to build their social status. this gives the church a small amount of power to bend politicians to their will, since the church controls the definition of the core values.

I think most people follow some 'life after death' theory because they're too scared not to. Happy clouds are much better than a great abyss of nothing

[Flipside]

I tend to work on a 'I'll find out when it happens' basis, though, it's not a position I'm in any rush to test

[sayoqod]

That's generally how I feel, but I keep getting told that my lifestyle (i.e. supporting gay marriage, abortion, etc.) will condemn me to hell if God's up there

If that's true, it'll be a crowded place. I'm sure I'll find something fun to do.

[Mika]

I don't think it's so deeply buried in the personal phsyche as people think in my opinion, a lot of what holds people back from breaking their own ethics is the fear of external reaction, not internal guilt.

Agreed.

This is pretty much evidenced by the internet too.

EDIT: I came to that conclusion slightly earlier, but I don't really like to think it that way.