Freud's psychological theory of religion

What is Freud’s central claim about the psychological origins of religion in The Future of an Illusion?
A: Freud argues that religion originates from human feelings of helplessness and the longing for a protective father figure, leading individuals to create gods who provide security and moral guidance.

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Q: According to Freud, what early relationship influences the development of religious belief?
A: The child’s dependency on the mother for nourishment and protection, later replaced by the father, influences the tendency to seek protection from a higher power in adulthood.

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Q: How does Freud explain the ambivalence toward the father figure in religion?
A: Freud suggests that while the father provides protection, he is also a source of fear and authority, leading to both reverence and anxiety—elements that are later projected onto religious deities.

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Q: What does Freud mean by the "defense against childish helplessness"?
A: He argues that humans never fully overcome their need for protection; as adults, they create religious beliefs as a psychological defense mechanism against feelings of helplessness.

Q: How does Freud link religion to civilization?
A: He states that religious ideas, shaped by the need for protection, are passed down through civilization, reinforcing beliefs in divine authority and moral order.

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Q: Why does Freud believe religion is an illusion?
A: He considers religion an illusion because it stems from psychological needs rather than objective reality, serving as a coping mechanism rather than a truth about the world.