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From the beginning we sought to explain the world around us, the rise of the sun, the change of the seasons. Over time many of these basic wonderings evolved into religion and myth. On the most basic level we see this is a way of explaining the unknown. To me it is also indicative of the need to have a neat and formed explanation. Some part of us needs to see a pattern, form an answer, make the unknown clear. It is from this aspect i see conspiracy theories as also linked.
Even with our wealth of scientific knowledge about the world many choose to reject it as they see gaps, unknowns or simply that they see another pattern entirely. For many the in completeness of that knowledge is not enough to satisfy. From there they seek a more unified and all encompassing answer. One that fills all the holes. For some this is religion, be it god or new age philosophy. For others it is grand conspiracies, patterns spotted in both ancient and modern life linked together to make a unified and tidy package.
Many experiences are still not fully understood and defined in science although we have coem a long way. For this point i would draw your attention to a previous thread
about the brain and god
There is much posted here pertaining to the physical effects which can lead to intense or divine experiences. Without the knowledge of the cause of these people often attribute it to an existing or new theology.
It is often seen as proof of an order or pattern to life beyond what is considered in science.
Many studies have shown that different experiences and halluctinations can be casue by effecting various parts of the brain. The culture in which the person affected lives often effects the kind of experience that results from ET to GOD. And as with early man an explanation is sought. The experience is not accepted as standing alone it is usually attributed to one of these key elements, mythology, religion, conspiracy and aliens. It is rare when someone sees it as soemthing standing alone, an anomoly to be researched and possibly one they will never have a full answer too. Our need for a conclusive pattern and belief is so strong that once an answer is found no amount of evidence to the contrary is often accepted and we have the 'i know the truth' scenario.
Clearly cases where something has been experienced are the strongest but many who have not had some divine or bizarre event occur will hold fast to a belief, an explanation that makes everything 'fit.' These explanations vary drasticly between cultures and lifestyles the one thing i see in common across the board is that they take the chaotic world we live in and give it order. The diversity of ideas that claim to answer all wether it be reptilians new age philosophy, pixies or God makes it hard to believe that any one is the ultimate truth and that all our part of us filling in the gaps and removing the element of chaos and unknown from our lives.
Perhaps this basic drive is one of the reasons we have been so succesful and seek always to find knowledge and answers. Perhaps the need to find a pattern and have it all make sense is what makes us, as humans, what we are.
I hope my ramble has sparked a few thoughts out there, and any firther information and discussion on how the brain works, on the evolution of myth, religion, or theories on the pshycology of CT's is welcomed.
NOTE; This is meant in no way to belittle anyones belief systemns or religion and is not an attack on faith. For all i know there is indeed a greater power out there I simply am not certain anyone knows all the answers.
EDIT: if a mod drops in can you edit the typo in the title please. I type fast look after bad habit *blush*
Edited by Tiggs, 03 September 2008 - 12:41 PM.
* Dropped in, fixed Typo *
