Is there a biological reason that majority of human beings believe in God or gods? Is it genetic? Is it hidden away somewhere in the brain - the so called God center? Are we really hard wired to believe in such a scientifically untenable concept?
Well, i think so.
There might be two factors at work
Well, i think so.
There might be two factors at work
- Its 'intuitive'. Since just about everything is created by something. There must be a creator. A creator must be as realistic as your parents. Evolution is a counter-intuitive concept taught in school.
- Evolutionary advantage must be considered for the reason why most people believe in God. May be there is some form of natural selection that favors the genetic make up that codes for the brain phenotype that is susceptible to believing in such an entity.This second reason is what I would like to analyze.
A person who is an atheist takes direct responsibility for his actions and omissions.
Consider two surgeons operating on a patient. Both are highly skilled and takes great care operating. And something goes terribly wrong... The atheist surgeon, even though he believes that he has taken utmost care, knows that it is some action of his that caused the undesirable result. That action may not even be obvious. The intensity of the unknown error should weigh heavier on him than the theist surgeon who can take refuge by believing that he did his best but God or fate had other plans.
Does this psychological cushion translate into a small but definite survival advantage for the theist ?
Atlast, I found another agnostic in India :)
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Please elaborate on how it can convert into a survival advantage for the theist? Do you mean by "less worries, more life"?