Humans Hardwired to Believe in Supernatural Deity? 1852
dohcrx writes "According to a Sunday New York Times article, 6 in 10 Americans believe in the devil and hell, 7 in 10 believe in angels, heaven and the existence of miracles and life after death, while 92% believe in a personal God. The article explores the possibility that this belief structure may be ingrained into our genetic makeup. 'When a trait is universal, evolutionary biologists look for a genetic explanation and wonder how that gene or genes might enhance survival or reproductive success ... Which is the better biological explanation for a belief in God — evolutionary adaptation or neurological accident? Is there something about the cognitive functioning of humans that makes us receptive to belief in a supernatural deity?'"
Hmm, so... (Score:5, Funny)
Sounds like a sure way to piss off the religious and atheists alike
"Wait, you mean religion might confer some survival advantage? And it's so widespread that..."
"First you're telling me I'm a monkey's uncle. Now you're telling me it was a religious monkey!? Okay, great ape or whatever, but still!?"
I believe in God baby! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:there is No god (Score:5, Funny)
Re:It's because humans WANT to believe (Score:4, Funny)
Re:I believe in God baby! (Score:5, Funny)
Uhm, duh? (Score:5, Funny)
You learn that your grandparents were the creators of your parents, and you think they're pretty cool too.
If you go back far enough you must accept one of two conclusions:
Human kind was started by a great all-knowing being, or, by two monkeys fucking and producing some genetically mutated offspring.
The former is a little less of a blow to your ego.
Re:Old, old news (Score:4, Funny)
Trust god to implement WGA-on-steroids. If you don't phone in, you don't get to reproduce.
Re:I believe in God baby! (Score:4, Funny)
Re:It's because humans WANT to believe (Score:4, Funny)
Re:How does age figure in? (Score:2, Funny)
(Nothing worse than a bunch of fuckwits who think they're smart. It really pisses them off I'm a foul-mouthed violent jerk who can think rings around them).
Re:of course (Score:3, Funny)
Re:it's how they validate their own beliefs (Score:3, Funny)
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Hmm, so... (Score:5, Funny)
"Dad, the neighbors have a bunch of food and water stored up in case of an emergency. Do you think we should do that too?"
"No, honey. We have guns, and you just told me where we can get food and water in case of an emergency."
I can only hope to give my children the same type of healthy upbringing. Is he joking? Is he joking...?
Re:there is No god (Score:1, Funny)
I have yet to meet a single person who expressed his or her disbelief in ferries, or any other mode of marine transportation.
Re:Hmm, so... (Score:3, Funny)
Are you on a hallucinogen right now?
Re:it's how they validate their own beliefs (Score:3, Funny)
"I'm sorry, but I'm quite secure in my lack of faith."
Left them totally stunned
You mean, they weren't quick-witted enough to say:
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
Re:there is No god (Score:3, Funny)
Re:faith (Score:2, Funny)
Damnit! I can't do it
Downside to atheism (Score:3, Funny)
A. There's no Hell for the Protestants to burn in!