Atheists, based on evolution, could man have survived without religion?

Question

The theory of evolution includes the survival of the fittest. Apparently the fittest humans included religion. Hence, I am asking, could humans have survived as a species without religion?

It is an honest question. Obviously religion has been a major part of every known society for as far back as we can find any evidence. Nearly every religion believes in a god(s) and/or higher power than our own. Why did no society survive that were primarily atheist? Could man have survived without religion?

Answer 1

Excellent question! It would seem that the brain evolved the ability and a predisposition for mystical thought. There are indications that the capacity to invent ritual and myth was instrumental in dispelling some of the anxiety of early man, and as a result, reduced stress, making survival much easier. The community-building activities of ritual strengthened the bond in early societies, thus creating better chances of survival.

Even today, studies suggest that those who are involved in religious practices are likely to be healthier than those who are not.

There are, however, atheistic societies and "religions" if you will that engage in such things as mediation, and are equally likely to maintain good health as any "church-going" group.

Answer 2

wow, once again you prove that you don't understand both evolution and natural selection.

But to answer your question somewhat, I think it was unavoidable that with the dawn of rational thought we started assigning to gods what we could not explain. It seems this little bug in our system is hard to get rid of. But give us time, say 200 generations or so and we'll be much better.

Answer 3

Man had to have reached the mental capacity of religion to even be considered man so yes. Tribe mentality has helped us survive.

Answer 4

I don't know if man could have survived without religion, but obviously it was an evolutionary advantage, otherwise there wouldn't be religion.

Answer 5

I agree human beings do make faith corrupt. i imagine some portray god in a nasty way god is sturdy. i be counted on god. that's like if their is a large bang who made the tremendous bang. for (ex: to assist understand) A human made a automobile. and the vehicle betrayed the human. so the human informed the vehicle i cant be with you bodily because you betrayed me so only pray to me. then time gos by technique of and vehicles reproduce and reproduce and Ect. And the vehicles commence to forget the human because the vehicles not in any respect talked with reference to the human. so as that they only say i be counted on this or that to have an answer for his or her entire lifestyles. only because you do not see do not advise he's no longer actual. we do not see wind yet we experience it. their is a lot of their global we do not realize.

Answer 6

"Based on evolution?" Seriously, WHAT?

"...the fittest humans included religion..." When? I need a link

Answer 7

... religion isn't a physical thing and has nothing at all to do with the physical body. Evolution has to do with the physical body (chemistry, genetics, etc) so they aren't related.

But, based on "Could mankind have gotten to where they are without religion", yes probably.

Answer 8

Of course. they can survive (how am I surviving?)...have you forgotten that many have died because of religion? What kind of question is that?

Answer 9

Yes, but only if they didn't question their world and were secure with no answers for all the things they didn't understand.

Answer 10

probably be more populated since it is at the root of most wars!