Religion on the Mind Is Religion “Natural” to Humans? (Live From Theology Beer Camp) (#374)
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Jan 19, 2026 Myron A. Penner, a philosopher specializing in religion and cognitive science, takes the stage alongside Philip Clayton at Theology Beer Camp. They delve into the evolutionary origins of religion, exploring archaeological evidence that suggests early humans had religious impulses. Penner discusses how cognitive science sheds light on why religious beliefs may feel intuitive. The conversation touches on how understanding religion's naturalness can have implications for therapy, politics, and personal faith, all while engaging the audience with thought-provoking questions.
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Natural vs Supernatural Framing
- Philosophers separate natural from supernatural to ask if religion arises from law-like, measurable processes.
- The question asks whether beliefs and practices are products of nature or require intervention beyond nature.
Religion’s Ubiquity As Evidence
- Dan notes the near-universal presence of religion across human cultures as an empirical challenge to non-natural views.
- He emphasizes anthropology's record: essentially every culture develops religious systems.
Archaeology Points To Deep Roots
- Archaeology shows ritual antecedents like pigment use and burials long before writing, suggesting early meaning-making.
- These behaviors indicate religious impulses extend deep into our evolutionary past.
