no sources, just me and my brain Doubt and skepticism towards religion appear to be on the rise. Could this growing skepticism be justified?

1. Religion has been a part of human civilization since forever. Humans have a desire to seek purpose and meaning in their lives. This suggests that the origins of religion may be rooted in the human need to find explanation for the unexplained.

2. We all can agree that knowledge is power The more one knows the more influence and authority they can wield (power) This may have played a role in the development and propagation of religion throughout history. If you had the knowledge or appeared to have the knowledge, you have the power.

3. Ones religious beliefs are often based on the visions interpretations and words of others. I myself, I cant talk for everyone else, but I have NEVER personally witnessed or experienced proof to validate the of religious beliefs ( even tho I used to be a religious person) Some may argue that devoutly religious people have seen signs that complement the existence of a divine being and the truth of their faith, their religion. However, these "visions" are frequently the product of the brain, influenced by what one has read or been told about a particular belief system. Imagine having never been to Disneyland but hearing countless descriptions of its castles, princesses, toys, and entertainment. Your image of Disneyland, while shaped by these accounts, would not accurately reflect the actual DISNEY LAND. Its just a product, created by your brain.

4. Your beliefs are shaped by your culture, upbringing, and the religious indoctrination of your parents not something you have inherently felt or discovered on your own. Religion is inherently place based. Had you been born in a different location with a distinct culture and faith, your beliefs would likely be drastically different. If religion were truly universal, one should be able to sense or connect with it without it being taught. Similar to feelings. Belief is considered a feeling after all, no?

5. The notion of an afterlife may have been fabricated to provide humans with a sense of purpose and to stop them from harming one another. The promise of eternal bliss or suffering was a powerful tool to have one obey and adherence to religion.

6. Religion was instrumental in unifying nations and consolidating power, as the more followers a religion had, the more influence and control its adherents could wield. But would God, really want that? Would god want the division between humans based on religious beliefs? Isn't that something, humans do?

7. In the absence of established laws and judicial systems, religion served as the primary source if morality and the foundation for order. People were motivated to do good, not out of intrinsic goodness, but out of fear of punishment. Humanities lack of inherent moral compass led to the creation of religious systems to provide a sense of purpose and a framework for acceptable behavior.