This is a serious question: Is religion evolutionary?

Question

I think it's possible that some people rely on faith and others rely on reason, and evidence... and it may be genetic. If that is true, then two atheists are more likely to raise an atheist child (genetically). And likewise, a Christian nation will produce religious children - generation after generation - because of genetics. Also, if survival in America depends in part on a person's religious (or non-religious) affiliation, then evolution would explain why 85-90% of our country believe in God.

survival DOES depend on a person's religion but HUMANS ARE CAPABLE OF LYING about being an atheist... lions can't lie about being meat eaters

Answer 1

i doubt it's genetic...

more likely environmental...

Answer 2

Perhaps but not to the degree that you're stating. There is, or seems to be reasonable evidence for, 3 genes that contribute to the propensity of belief - try looking up "The God Gene". This means that some people are genetically disposed to belief while others are not. It is clear however, that environment has a large impact on if a person will be religious, i.e. if they are raised in a religion they are likely to remain or if they switch, then they will switch to another religion. Social or family pressure would play a big part in continuing the acceptance of religion.

Answer 3

There is an academic 'movement' in anthropological, biological, and religious circles called 'cognative religion.' It basically asserts what you are describing, that human beings are hard-wired to believe in some sort of trancendant being (or have a spiritual component throughout their life).

There are others who assert that religious phenomena are culturally conditioned - without input from our neurons firing.

It appears to me (and others) that religious phenomena are a combination of cognative and cultural processes that shape the human experience/expression of metaphysical 'realities.'

While it is true that atheist persons wouldn't have many (if any) God experiences, many do believe or hold to some form of myth (be it nationalism, familial myths, etc.).

So yes, I think you are probably right, that a majority of the people in our country (or throughout history for that matter) have been religious persons.

Just for the sake of location, I would characterize myself as an agnositc.

Answer 4

Not actually. This current interest in atheism is nothing new. In the 18th and 19th century when new discoveries in science was being found everyday, people started to question the bible and the mythology associated with it. Everything was revealed through science. It was the Age of Enlightenment. Yet despite this religion still flourished. Plus churches were also corrupt in those times too, history always repeats itself.

Even if you get rid of religion something else will take its place. Perhaps unions, who knows.

Answer 5

there is some indication that spirituality has a genetic component. Not a particular religion, but the tendency to seek out and join a religion.
However, survival in America does not depend on a person's religion.

Answer 6

In a way, yes. I also think it has a lot to do with your environment and your level of education. Chance and genes would tell you that I'd be the most hardcore fundie in the world since my entire family is, but from the time I was a young child I made it a point to read everything I could get my hands on and think differently than they did.

Answer 7

Well, in terms of Buddhism, evolution is rather complementary to our beliefs. So i wouldn't be surprised at all of if its influence is strong enough to predispose us to certain ways of thought.

However, since i assume your directing your inquiry toward the majority religion of America, may i suggest the following two works?

Darwin's Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society by David Sloan Wilson

http://www.amazon.com/Darwins-Cathedral-Evolution-Religion-Society/dp/0226901343

[Viewing religion from an evolutionary perspective, Wilson (biology and anthropology, Binghamton Univ.) argues that religious belief and other symbolic systems are closely connected to reality in that they are a powerful force in motivating adaptive behaviors. Disconnecting religion from its reliance on supernatural agents as a defining principle, he posits human religious groups as adaptive organisms wherein processes like group selection, evolutionary pressures, and moral systems come into play, offering a new avenue for interpretive insights. ]

Another interesting book you might enjoy is the "Happiness Hypothesis" written by moral psychologist and atheist John Haidt.

http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/haidt07/haidt07_index.html

Answer 8

I think we are genetically predisposed to certain abilities and talents, and our environment either nurtures or suppresses those.

Regarding issues of faith, Since I subscribe to the teaching that God created man, I also believe that the desire for God is written into the human heart. Therefore, I think a genetic predisposition to return to God exists, but like talents and abilities, can be suppressed or nurtured by environment.

Jim Cosgrove
http://www.PrayTwice.Com

Answer 9

It probably is. We're constantly learning that we are the sum of our genes. Our beliefs are the arrangement of our neurons.

Google the "God helmet"... It's a device that activates certain parts of the brain that are activated while praying or meditating. Religious people often experience God while hooked up, but atheists are much less likely to report any similar experience.

Answer 10

well i think the kids that come from relidgous familes will end up having that religion because thats the only thing their taught and its what their parents would prefer them to be... the same for non religious groups.