Is Religion a survival mechanism? (Darwin - Survival of the fittest theory)?

Question

We see natural selection in action among people in modern society all around us.
Ants survive in groups; a single ant has no chance of survival. The same can be said for many insects and some animals.
Wolves, Zebras and Lions might be able to survive on their own, coming together only for mating purposes. But the survival of these and other animals is enhanced by the formation of a group.
In human society we also have the situation where survival is enhanced by the formation of groups. All groups have a core leader, and we see in human activity that following such an elected leader does not only mean subservience on a physical plane but also mentally or philosophically.
Religious views are a great example; people rally behind leaders of Islam, Christianity, Judaism and others blindly following the prescribed philosophies.

What do you think???

Answer 1

Only heritable traits are subject to evolution by natural selection. Sociality is a heritable trait that has survival value within certain ecological parameters. We do see similarities in the behavior of all social animals, such as lack of tolerance for "cheating." This is all genetically hard wired. But much of human culture, including religion, is not genetically hard wired. Cultural norms generally arise to help societies adapt to the environment. But in a world where society and environment undergo swift changes, holding on to ancient cultural practices is seen by some as maladaptive, and others as adaptive. So this is now a great debate of our times. Is religion an embarrassing relic of our cultural history which is becoming increasing maladaptive (i.e., religious believers flying planes into buildings)? Or does it still have adaptive value for modern day societies?

Answer 2

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Answer 3

As far as I'm concerned, religion has never been meant for human survival. Unlike science whose greatest promise to mankind is more comfort and convenience, religion at times brings sorrow or even boundaries and yet is one of the key factors that distinguishes us from other beings. While science allows us to explore new possibilities to make life easier on this planet, religion makes sure that we don't get lost in the process. In a nutshell, I personally think that religion guarantees a better existence in the other world and to some extent prevents havoc in this world by defining morality.

Answer 4

Religion, itself, has developed a survival mechanism. Ideas that are self-propagating are called memes. Religion is a particularly powerful meme that propagates itself mostly through child indoctrination and emotional manipulation. Both tactics are strong group binders.

The reason religion exists is because of other human survival traits that religion capitalizes on or that happen to favor religions. You could say that religion is a parasite of society.

Answer 5

I think it was most certainly a survival mechanism from social aspects. it used to help form some cohesive tribal and national bonds, but it was also the instigator of many forms of social aggression, and "holy" wars.
at present it's effect is mostly negative, and as a matter of fact, religious intolerance has been a negative force in society for many centuries now.

Answer 6

I don't think so. Religion originated to explain the unknown. Today, even though science has given us the answers to many of our questions, many unscrupulous persons realize that there is a large group of "not-too-smart" people who can be led and milked, thus providing a healthy income for said crooked "ministers"!

Those "sheeple" are just not smart enough to realize that they are being "took".

Answer 7

no and yes, it is a method of control.85% of the human population need to be lead. that could very well be an instinctive response to survive. so is there , a free will, or is it all just instincts?

Answer 8

The ancient Greek gods were teaching their people to defend them self's and be strong to survive but weakens and promises from elders drove them to Christ and muameth and others for it..

Answer 9

you are correct sir!!! there is however, two cooperative forms of evolution, biological and cultural and they are inseparable. the one big difference between them is speed...cultural evolution happens at a much greater rate of speed than does biological evolution. group selection and kin selection are parts of both and have demonstrated survival aspects...

Answer 10

i absolutely think that it is. people want to believe they are here for a reason. believing a nice story told by which ever religion they choose is much easier than facing the fact that nobody really knows why were are here or how we ended up here.