Is it possible that the thousands of different religious and the thousands of different gods than are presently or formerly worshiped or feared by man are nothing more than creative imagination, wishful thinking or deliberate fraud?
Seeking personal gain could account for "visions" by self-chosen prophets – particularly since religions seem to be developed in secret or under "mysterious" circumstances and there is no evidence of truth.
If any religion had independent, credible, impartial evidence that its claims were true, that religion could displace all others. However, no religion has any evidence other than its own dogma and circular reasoning to support its claims.
Thus -- there are many religions competing for influence and wealth -- none of which can be shown to provide any path to an "afterlife" (of bliss or damnation).
Wishful thinking is a human failing that prevents seeking truth in the real world. |