Terror Management Theory

[_Some Schmo]

I get the feeling the religious apologetics have the tone they do (at least in part) because of subconscious feelings related to Terror Management Theory. It certainly explains the wide range of antagonistic, irrational and nonsensical retorts we get from faith defenders of any type.

I was made aware of this idea over the weekend watching Flight from Death. The idea really resonated with me, and all I could think of was the crazy posters on this board getting verbally violent over their "cherished" beliefs, which is in stark contrast to the behavior they're supposed to be advocating.

Of course, I've been hypothesizing for years that religious irrationality was a comfort-creating response to existential angst and fear of death, so I admit to some confirmation bias here. I realize it's not all-encompassing and that not everyone is necessarily subject to it, at least to the same degree as everyone else. Still, it's some pretty thought-provoking stuff. I highly recommend the documentary.

[_Hoops]

Or it could be that you're wrong.

[_Some Schmo]

Or it could be that you're wrong.

About...?

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

Some Schmo,

Great OP. Thanks for the link.