I'm a strong opponent of all religious belief... .And supposedly 95% of Americans say they believe in God - that's worrying... .Religions are Trojan horses which conceal profoundly strange psychopathy strains. There's no other explanation for them. The sheer fear of death has been the main engine of religions for a very long time.

I'm a strong opponent of all religious belief... .And supposedly 95% of Americans say they believe in God - that's worrying... .Religions are Trojan horses which conceal profoundly strange psychopathy strains. There's no other explanation for them. The sheer fear of death has been the main engine of religions for a very long time.

📖 J. G. Ballard

🌍 British  |  👨‍💼 Author

🎂 November 15, 1930  –  ⚰️ April 19, 2009
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The quote provides a stark and critical perspective on organized religion, highlighting the author's concern over the pervasive belief in God and tying religious adherence to psychological phenomena rooted in fear. The use of the term "Trojan horses" is particularly striking, implying that religions carry hidden, potentially dangerous consequences masked by seemingly benign appearances. This evokes a sense of caution, urging us to question the underlying motives and effects of religious systems.

J.G. Ballard's framing of religions as concealing "profoundly strange psychopathy strains" invites readers to explore the darker psychological dynamics that might underpin collective faith and institutionalized belief. This suggests that religions may serve to manage existential anxieties—especially the fundamental fear of death—which is a deeply human condition. From a psychological and sociological standpoint, this assertion aligns with various theories explaining religion as a coping mechanism or an evolutionary adaptation to mortality awareness.

However, the sweeping generalization raises important questions about the diversity of religious experiences and beliefs worldwide. Not all religious frameworks can be reduced solely to fear and psychopathy strains. Many religions emphasize compassion, community, ethical living, and transcendence rather than fear alone. As such, this quote challenges us to critically evaluate the social and psychological functions of religion without disregarding the positive aspects of faith.

In summary, Ballard's outspoken condemnation of religion forces an uncomfortable but necessary examination of why humans cling to existential beliefs and how those beliefs shape societies. This quote can catalyze deeper discourse on the roles religiosity plays in individual psychology and collective culture, especially concerning the fear of mortality and the manifestations of that fear in organized practices.

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