The Evolutionary Basis of God Concepts

Humans have evolved cognitive mechanisms that predispose them to recognize patterns and assign agency, which historically facilitated survival. This hyperagency detection device leads people to attribute natural phenomena to supernatural agents, a survival trait inherited from ancestors who benefited from overly cautious assumptions. In a modern context, these cognitive tendencies can reinforce religious beliefs, often resulting in a heightened sense of group identity and a tendency to view the world through the lens of in-group versus out-group dynamics. However, while these evolved instincts historically promoted social cohesion, they can also foster divisions and biases that are increasingly detrimental in today's pluralistic societies.