Religion has an evolutionary advantage. True or False?

Question

I think unequivocally we have to say YES.

The idea that you'll have an infinite afterlife as the major religions promise is undeniably seductive to the human consciousness. I am an agnostic, I realize no earthly beings can know what is beyond in any true sense, but this is a question of what it means to be a human.

Athiests, you can't deny that as of lately human civiliaztion has progressed alongside a belief in an afterlife. The egyptians, the foundation of civilization were highly religious for example. They truly believed in an afterlife.

I think the divergence from the past comes in that society is becoming truly global. We will realize its just humanity, as many people in America are lately, but lets not deny the comfort the human has gained from religion, and the comfort it still provides our animalistic minds to this day.

This is really a point to agnosticism. MAYBE something else does exist that we cant touch, if humans could realize this it may help us prevail.

Answer 1

Religion MUST have been advantageous at first - or else evolution would've gotten rid of it.

However, now is definitely the time to continue with 21st century without 1st century mythology.

Answer 2

yep. religion has had it's uses in the advantageous adaptation of the human primate. as humans evolved from primate troop to human tribes the fear and awe of nature was explained with the use of supernatural beings. the way each tribe expressed reverence for their supernatural beings made each tribe distinctive, providing tribal identity ... a unity that was conducive for the tribe and the survival of the members. as a tribe grew in numbers it became necessary to invoke gods to enforce rules and thus whole civilizations were built on expanded and integrated tribal myths.

yes. religion was a very useful tool for the survival and proliferation of the human species. however, as world becomes more populated with more humans religion and the conflict that religion engenders becomes counter productive and self destructive. the kind of wild zealotry that served our primitive ancestors does more harm than good in a crowded world. tolerance, getting beyond the tribal mentality and developing the ability to live and work together is our next step in evolution. i wonder if we, as a species, will survive long enough to take that step or will we follow our base animal nature to the end and blow ourselves into oblivion in the name of the God of Territorial Supremacy.

Answer 3

Religion is the toxin common to modern day Christianity. Religion demands that its adherents conform to a strict code of conduct and attempt to manipulate God to accept him or her. Anyone can have a religion i.e. the Egyptians did and the tendency is for the human species to seek religion, as one would a band-aid when cut. Yes; religion does have a "evolutionary advantage". It supplies its adherents with "dos & don'ts" - to attempt to earn God's favour. When one ages, he or she is pressured into coming to grips with his or her own, mortality and religion is the magic "bullet" for this, in spite of the toxicity contained therein.
Authentic Christianity is not "religion" because it does not require people to qualify for God's favour. God has already, "qualified" them and doesn't need human help to do so !!! It is called simply, GRACE !

Answer 4

Have you read Daniel Dennett's "Breaking the Spell"? It's a whole book on the question you ask.

Answer 5

i think religion not only gives a lot of people drive but a reason to survive, a reason to dream and hope and try harder.

Answer 6

it appears like you are wrong on at least two counts....

1. No, you do not think
2. And secondly, the answer is NO

Answer 7

watch: http://zeitgeistmovie.com/ at least until part two, then hit me up!

Answer 8

I think it's simpler than that: Church is a great place to meet girls.

Answer 9

Neither or both.