kingfisher241049

People who feel lonely are more likely to believe in the supernatural, whether that is God, angels or miracles, a new study finds.

Humans have evolved as social creatures, so loneliness cuts to the quick. Living in groups was critical to the survival and safety of our ancient ancestors, and "complete isolation or ostracism has been tantamount to a death sentence," said University of Chicago researcher Nicholas Epley, who led the study.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/...insupernatural

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I don't agree with this at all. People with large support networks behind them, including close family and friends can believe in God and other supernatural stuff.

Dan725

I'm inclined to agree with you.

ElaineQ

It's been my experience that when I am lonely, I have more time to think deeply about things and also to be more receptive to things around me, including what cannot be seen. Presumably, the researchers didn't take that possibilty into account...

Sally Redux

Sometimes people do join churches to make friends though don't they?

kingfisher241049

Absolutely, but it does'nt necessarily mean they are lonely, although lonely people do join organisations to be with other people.

Silly Sod

Researchers being given too much money to scratch their arses until they come up with something, leads to the belief that they know what they are talking about or have ever had an original idea.

There are million reasons why people cast about at some point in their lives.

Load of old bollox.

britex01

Very well put! There's a huge difference between 'lonely' and 'alone'. The latter offers the opportunity to reflect and aspire. When alone I never feel lonely. If I want company, no problem.

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Roland Hulme

Mankind is a stupid animal and we're always desperate to believe in something. Christianity's really no more sensible to believe in that homeopathic medicine, ghosts and ghoulies or that crystals rubbish.

Except if you believe in something strongly enough, it can make your life better. So Christianity can bring communities together, homeopathic medicines can 'cure' people and it gives people comfort to believe their loved ones are still looking over them in ghostly form.

Whether or not that justifies an expensive 'study' into it is another question. Mind you, didn't they have astudy about which biscuits lose 'structural integrity' quickest in a cup of tea?

ElaineQ

I have no idea why - his ghost must be looking over my shoulder but when I read your post, Jan Karski popped into my mind. You might want to look him up. A very sensible man. Not at all stupid...

Britinsac

oops be careful! before you know it you will have those psychopathic Baptist fundamentalists protesting outside your house...you don't have to be lonely to become delusional.

Xebedee

So you believe in ghosts then.

Sally Redux

I think you must be slightly loopy/lonely to go in for those model angels.

Roland Hulme

He was a hero - who condemned the church and organised religion for sitting idly by while the jews got massacared by the Nazis.

"Every church says: "We tried to help the Jews," because they are ashamed, they want to keep their reputations. They didn't help, because six million Jews perished, but those in the churches survived. No one did enough."

ElaineQ

Read a bit more, Roland - he believed in God . Yet I wouldn't call him or others like him "stupid animals".

Desdemona

I can see a connection. I find myself turning to God and prayer in times of difficulty. Not that much since I got married -- now I talk to my husband about anything and everything on my mind