The Theologian's Nightmare by Bertrand Russell

[DetlefK]

5. I have come to the opinion that religion is a deeply egotistical and immature mindset.

People believe because it makes them happy. They tell comforting lies, to themselves and to others, because it makes them happy.
When hard-pressed to come up with reasons or evidence for their continued belief, they dodge and weave and evade.
When hard-pressed to come up with reasons or evidence for why they believe exactly this and not something similar, they dodge and weave and evade.
Why?
Because not having that belief would make them unhappy.
That's all there is. Happiness or unhappiness. And they choose comforting illusions.

They aren't trying to explore or grow or understand or doubt. The joy of discovery, the frustration of failure.
Instead they set up a comforting illusion where everything they want is defined as true and existing.
"Congratulations to myself! I am special and deserving and everybody adores me and I'm best friends with the most important being in the universe!"

What's the difference to a drug-addict or child?