> something deeply rooted inside the human psyche that refuses to completely accept that we are imperfect
I'm an atheist, but I've always been struck by how almost all successful human societies have an idea of god(s). I think it must confer some benefit. One of those benefits is a receptacle/personification for all the things we don't know/can't do - and a handle for all our ideals realised. Hence, the possibility of humility, not to another human "alpha male", but to something that, as mortals, we simply can't compete with. So the greeks had all these tragedies about hubris and nemesis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubrishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis_(mythology)
Perhaps having a "god" as a label is psychologically easier to grasp than the nebulous and infinite "unknown".
Hey, I like that thought. I can see where that would be an evolutionary benefit as it would provide a ready made "There's always someone bigger" scapegoat.
Your idea could also partially explain why quite a few religions have a huge problem with Atheism. It can leave them lacking when compared to others, for instance "If Joe can do that without even believing in God, why can't I do it when he's on my side?"
I'm an atheist, but I've always been struck by how almost all successful human societies have an idea of god(s). I think it must confer some benefit. One of those benefits is a receptacle/personification for all the things we don't know/can't do - and a handle for all our ideals realised. Hence, the possibility of humility, not to another human "alpha male", but to something that, as mortals, we simply can't compete with. So the greeks had all these tragedies about hubris and nemesis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubris http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis_(mythology)
Perhaps having a "god" as a label is psychologically easier to grasp than the nebulous and infinite "unknown".