What is the evolutionary purpose in humans of believing in a non-existent god?

Answer 1

Your question is flawed. It has embedded assumptions that have not yet been granted as "givens." I believe the technical term is "complex question".

Another example would be "Has anyone yet found the stash of animal-porn you have hidden on your computer?" The above question has as a necessary given that you have a stash of animal-porn. I would assume that you would not agree with that as a given, and consequently couldn't answer the question as written.

Often times complex questions are not actually made to obtain information. They are actually underhanded attempts to make statements. Another example would be "Have you stopped beating your significant other?" This question contains a heavy implication that you, at least in the past, beat your significant other but disguises the statement as a question.

Maybe you would be better served by ask questions in light of actual *acknowledged* and *specifically* *enumerated* givens. That would be a bit more logically sound and straight forward.

Answer 2

Religion has nothing to do with evolution. And I will even go to say that contrary to the popular belief, evolution does not discredit the existence of God. Evolution simply looks at the facts and evidence and gives an explanation for the patterns that we see and for the phenomena that we observe. Why is then such a problem? Because those who believe in Creation refuse to believe that evolution has occurred, especially with humans. And atheists use Evolution as a tool against Creation.

It is human nature to want to know where we come from, how we came to be, and our purpose in this life. For some the answer is God, for others it's science, and others have different reasons. The point is we all need to feel like our presence on this Earth is of some use.

Answer 3

What is the evolutionary purpose of humans believing in the existence of God? We have evolved from a belief in a multitude of Gods (ancient Egyptians, Greeks, etc) to believing in a single God, but to what purpose? As it has turned out there are several 'single' Gods that humans presently believe in. Essentially we have evolved to be free thinkers (thank God... pun intended). Some of us believe in the existence of a God and some do not.

Answer 4

Evolution has no purpose, so I want to make sure I don't confuse your question. Evolution is change, plain and simple there is no goal, strictly speaking. Humans, because of their advanced brains, however can cognitively affect the evolution of their own species, which is quite interesting. The evolution you speak of I assume is theology because I don't think believing in a god can be passed on through our DNA. Even if it is theology there is still no purpose for the evolution of it. However, there is a purpose for people believing in a god.

People need to believe is something! Really though, most people need an answer as to why they exist or they feel no sense of purpose in their lives. If they feel a sense of purpose it gives them a reason for living and helps them to define their role in this world. If they feel happy in their lives and believe their lives have purpose they will have children and teach their children these same values. Most likely these children will do the same.

To answer the question, I think that the human purpose for theology is a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself.

Answer 5

I think this is a really good, thought-provoking question. Just about every culture, throughout history, has had, or still has, some sort of belief system, usually in some form of the belief in god(s). Since just about everything any species does is done with the intent of keeping that species going, and since only those behaviors that contribute to the continuation of the species are retained, one has to wonder how such a belief system contributes to that. I guess I'm not answering this so much as pondering along with you. I hope you get some intelligent answers instead of the usual nonsense, because this is a question that deserves some thought and discussion.

Answer 6

actually it is brought on by evolution once life hit the point where it evolved free thought all creatures need a explanation to thier existance so the imeadiate thought was somthing like "damn..well there must be some greater entity that made us" hence the reason we ALL consiously beilve in some greater entity, we might not think "damn some being jus up and made us?.. whats up wit dat? but the brain would cease to function if it had no thought, so way back when the brain had first evolved, thinking of how, what, when, and where to satisfy the 5 basic needs, during the moment all that was satisfyed , free thought evolved then we wondered simple things as why do we seek to meet the 5 basic needs and eventualy why is explained as "well some force wills me to do what i do i mean ya i dont say hey man gota breathe yo, gota keep those gases flowin"

when i say we i mean all intelligent life

Answer 7

What is your evolutionary purpose to come online and ask people questions about what they believe in? Is it cause you feel like something is missing in your life? You need there to be a god, and you need for us to convince you right? You are transparent

Answer 8

Almost all naturally occurring complex systems can be said to "evolve" over time. While I see very little genetic evolutionary impact in religion its effect on the evolution of society and culture has been profound.

Answer 9

People survive and procreate best when they live in tight knit communities. This can lead to tensions between individuals. Religions are a good (as in efficient) method for managing these conflicts and encouraging long-term cooperation.

Also, its not a really about genes. Its about ideas. Ideas that helped individuals in early human societies succeed better in communities did better than ones that didn't. Once they are in place, they become self sustaining, even if they're no longer making things better. as long as they don't become a negative influence, they will continue for a long time.

Answer 10

I doubt there is an evolutionary porpose for it.

Let me propose a possible evolutionary phenomenon that the Human psyche is still in its infancy and needs to believe in fantacy.

Answer 11

Idk what evolutionary purpose ur talking about but i think that humans believe in non-existent gods b/c i think gods r created to explain the unknown, at least until we know what it really is(ex. we don't believe the sun is a god anymore)
i don't mean to offend anyone