LeRon Shults, a theology and philosophy professor at the University of Agder, dives into the evolution of religion and atheism, addressing the controversies sparked during his previous appearance. He discusses how cognitive biases, rooted in survival instincts, shape belief systems and influence societal challenges like racism and sexism. Shults advocates for understanding the biocultural evolution of religious beliefs and critiques various theological perspectives while emphasizing the impact of these beliefs on contemporary ethical dilemmas and environmental actions.
Humans possess cognitive mechanisms that drive pattern recognition and agency attribution, fostering both survival instincts and religious beliefs.
Religion strengthens group identity through shared narratives about supernatural agents, which can create harmful biases against out-groups.
The rise of secularism, especially among younger generations, is linked to a rejection of traditional beliefs in favor of naturalistic and rational approaches.
Deep dives
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.
The Role of Religion in Group Dynamics
Religion serves as a mechanism for creating and maintaining social bonds within groups, rooted in shared beliefs about supernatural agents. It functions to reinforce collective identity, with members often interpreting events through the group's specific religious narratives, which can lead to an 'us versus them' mentality. Such dynamics, while initially beneficial for group cohesion, risk perpetuating harmful biases like racism and sexism, as these beliefs often take precedence over more universal ethical considerations. As societies grow more interconnected, these ingrained religious frameworks can become barriers to addressing global issues, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of these perspectives.
Rethinking Faith and Practical Ethics
Many religious individuals express ethical motivations rooted in their faith, yet these motivations can paradoxically reinforce existing biases and inhibit more inclusive approaches to social justice and environmental stewardship. Acknowledging the underlying cognitive biases that accompany religious beliefs empowers individuals to critically examine their motivations and the potential limitations they impose. Instead of excluding perspectives that could foster broader cooperation, such an awareness encourages a more inclusive dialogue about ethics that transcends traditional religious boundaries. By fostering insights derived from a secular approach, individuals can engage with pressing global issues while minimizing the polarizing effects of their inherited belief systems.
The Shift Towards Atheism and Secularism
The contemporary landscape is witnessing a significant rise in atheism and secularism, particularly among younger generations who increasingly reject traditional religious frameworks in favor of naturalistic explanations. This shift is influenced by greater awareness of cognitive biases and an understanding that supernatural beliefs often impede rational discourse and problem-solving in a pluralistic world. Evidence suggests that societies characterized by high levels of secularism, like those in Scandinavia, are often marked by higher levels of satisfaction, equity, and social welfare. As this trend continues, it holds the promise of cultivating more cooperative and fact-based responses to global challenges.
Conclusions from Cognitive Psychology and Religion
Recent explorations in cognitive psychology have revealed how people’s innate cognitive biases shape their understanding of the world, particularly regarding religious beliefs. By recognizing that these biases lead individuals to interpret reality through the lens of their in-group's beliefs, it becomes essential to encourage open discussions about the implications of these perspectives. Such dialogues can help demystify religious reproduction and ultimately lead to healthier interactions within society. The challenge remains to foster these discussions without inciting shame or division, promoting a form of understanding that supports collective action in addressing complex global issues.
Talking about his unique evolutionary take on the development of religion and atheisms …
The other reason that he is back is to promote an explosive new venture by Syndicate Theology
F. LeRon Shults is professor of theology and philosophy at the University of Agder in Kristiansand, Norway and the author or editor of twelve other books, including his recent Iconoclastic Theology: Gilles Deleuze and the Secretion of Atheism (2014). Shults is also a senior research fellow at the Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion in Boston, USA.
