Do you suppose that believer types and non believer types have differing chemical compositions in their brains

Answer 1

Well, the chemistry of your brain changes as you feel certain emotions or have certain experiences. It can be "trained" to see different perspectives, which makes it more likely you'll adopt those perspectives.

I think, however, genetics might play some role. The whole IQ inversely proportional to religiosity thing... and then there's also emotion. People who are more emotional by nature are probably more likely to be religious, since religion and belief are based on emotions.

I, for example, am a very emotional person... and I think that had a great deal to do with my belief. But, as we know, positions can change.

I think it's possible for just about anyone to change their minds about their beliefs, regardless of chemistry and genetics.

Grrr @ Monica...

Answer 2

No. Spiritual Life or Spiritual Death is not a matter of chemical brain composition - it is a matter of the soul and what we choose to believe. I believe that is something "outside" the human brain per se - there is a spiritual side to man than transcends the cognitive part of the brain.

Answer 3

that's interesting. i wonder where the brain activity would show if it was true. maybe analytical, "right brained" for non believers, and creative "left brained" for believers? i don't know though, most of my more spiritual friends are very intellectual and rational and most of my friends who are artist musician types are agnostic or atheist. either way, it's kind of a cool thing to think about. think i'll check out that link on gazoo's post.

Answer 4

No, you were either raised to believe or you keep the lack of belief you had since you were a child. I was wondering if you were slumping all the believers of all religions into one category where the non believers are obviously atheists? Anyways it does seem the arguments presented by both sides are two sides of an equation.

Answer 5

Not necessarily... but I think some people are better at criticial thinking than others. Outside-the-box thinkers I believe are more likely to exit the mold of their culture, especially if it is strict and unbending.

Answer 6

Doesn't surprise me that people go looking for that. They do the same thing with political affiliation according to last months Psychology Today.

Answer 7

No, I don't.

I am a strong believer, but I am most similar to the atheists on this board than the believers.

Answer 8

There is a study that points to a genetic difference. This is very controversial but worth reading about.

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101041025/

Answer 9

Yeah ones are full of Kool Aid

Answer 10

Yes, as would all people ;P

But I'm sure their is an inverse correlation of cognitive functions.