How Did Religion Evolve?

"Naturalism Next joins me to discuss 'the cognitive science argument against theism.' We talk about the psychology of religion, hyperactive agency detection, signaling theory, and more on the evolutionary origins of religious belief. Crucially, theories from modern cognitive science of religion are antecedently more likely on naturalism than on theism, and so provide good evidence against theism.

"We have plausible natural mechanisms that account for religious belief and practice – how they form and how they spread. The persistence and prevalence of religious belief can be understood through the framework of evolutionary theory and cognitive science of religion, providing us an answer to the question, 'If God doesn’t exist, why does nearly everyone believe in God?'"

Click on the link below for an enlightening, balanced podcast on the history and science of religion:

How we have religion

Why Religion Is Part Of Human Evolution

Many religious apologists talk about the empty hole in atheists' hearts and say that this supports the reality of God. While there is no evidence for a God and many (most?) atheists do fine without a belief in God, there is some truth in this claim. Why? In the evolutionary history of humanity, virtually all cultures have been religious probably because it answers questions, provides comfort, and aids in social cohesion. Of course, when humans began to be ruled by kings, it gave the king authority from God to control his subjects.

While today the intuitive motivation for belief in a God remains, we also have the benefit of science and its findings that falsify all claims of a God. Thus, there is a battle going on between people of faith and science-based thinkers. I can testify from personal experience that it is difficult to accept reality, however, I just consider the rejection of religion as a major step toward maturity.

Evolutionary Psychology Explains Religion

Michael Shermer, in 16 minutes, explains deeply and widely the natural genesis of religion and exposes Christianity's fallacy of special pleading.

Dr. Michael Shermer | God does NOT exist