others. The desire to be accepted is appeased as religion
offers to accept a person “just as they are,” until further
instructed. Our human desire to belong is offered false-
fulfillment in the encouragement to “get involved” in the
“fellowship” of our “community.” The desire for sociability
is stroked when religion invites a person to relate to their
group and let them be their “family.” Man’s desire for
security is offered the secure provision of “once saved,
always saved.” Religion offers uniformity and conformity
to satisfy mans need for order. The basic desire to believe
and to be correct in that belief is placated with dogmatism,
intellectualism, and the absolutism of orthodoxy. Religion
offers a raison d’etre and a cause celebre to satisfy our
need for meaning. Stimulating emotional “highs” and
experiential subjectivism provide for the desire for
excitement. The need for uniqueness is provided for in the
exclusivism and elitism that posits that “we are the only
ones.” If it is identity that you need, join with us and you
will be “somebody,” a socialistic identity by association.
Religion offers approval and affirmation, often by
affirming “I’m OK; you’re OK.” The desire to work can be
accommodated by religious activism that encourages
adherents to “get involved” and “work for Jesus.” The
wallpaper
(WallPaper)
#1