...if scientists actually learn how to not only slow down but halt the aging process? (see Chappy's post re: immortality)
Do you think that if this comes about many people who currently believe in "God" will abandon this belief? After all, just ask any believer in "God" about immortality and they will tell you they believe that God and ONLY God can grant immortality.
If scientist were able to say that they have completely solved the mystery of immortality and it is now possible for humans to live indefinitely in perfect health with a body free from the aging process, what effect would this announcement have on religion in general?
I believe this would depend on whether the religion or the individual's focus is on salvation. As JW's we know the bit about living forever, but even with that there's the matter of being in paradise. Quality of life is another factor. However, there are those who believe that it's about experiencing a spiritual dimension to life, which can be attained in this life without dying first.
"Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is insight. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires true strength." -Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33
If (when) this happens, the god that most people believe in will still be a "god of the gaps", there'll just be one fewer gap. As long as anything remains unexplained (or unexplainable) some people will hold on to their beliefs.
Thanks for your responses, funkyderek and Introspection.
I guess the reason I put forth that question is because "immortality" seems to be the "holy grail" of most belief systems, especially for groups like the JWs who believe that "salvation" means being able to live forever in the physical realm. If something that has always been believed as being "God's" domain were to be attained by humans, I think that, in itself, would cause a portion of "believers" to say "What do we need God for", although other factors that you mentioned such as the conditions immortals would live under if "paradise" wasn't attainable by human means, would play into it.
Well, and frankly it's a matter of personal gain, or atleast human gain. That's just not the focus of everyone who concerns themselves with spirituality.
"Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is insight. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires true strength." -Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33
