>If religion is manmade, then why does it go against man's desir-ACK
Atheists already answered this in 1887. The highest feeling of power attained by humans so far was attained by ascetic priests. Asceticism increases the feeling of power. "Going against one's desires" is done in favor of a deeper desire of power. Also, just read the Old Testament; Abraham is literally lured into faithfulness towards God by promises of rewards.

>>17827310 (OP)
> "Going against one's desires" is done in favor of a deeper desire of power.
What power would that be? I definitely don't feel more "powerful" when I'm fasted. I would be interested in reading the 1887 commentary since nothing in the picrel seems to be rel.

Right now it seems to me that your argument resembles the continuously shifting goalposts that I usually see during altruism discussions. An action is selfish and if not then it is selfish on a higher level and if not it is selfish on a yet higher one etc. Is that what you're arguing about power here? That losing power gets you more power on a higher level (which one?) and if not then on a yet higher level etc.?

>Abraham is literally lured into faithfulness towards God by promises of rewards.
And by actually having those rewards, such as having Isaac.

>>17827310 (OP)
It is used by governments to control and manipulate the population

Taxes: render unto Ceaser, etc...

If they call you good for sacrificing yourself they can then command everyone to sacrifice (if I have to do it I'll be damned if someone else doesn't)

>>17827351
>>The Bible doesn't encourage tax fraud
>"Smh clearly statist manipulation"

>>17827310 (OP)
>what is delayed gratification?
I swear you atheists have got be as retarded as the same people you hold contempt for

>>17827310 (OP)
>atheists have the answers
lol, ngmi