Atheists, what do you think of this theory on the origin of religion?

Question

The idea is that religion relies on a system of minimally counterintuitive rules to explain the universe. As social animals, we are hard-wired to read intention and will into apparently complex entities and/or systems. Also, we can retain awareness of the probable will of someone, even if they are absent. These two traits combined pretty simply explain a god/spirit - we are seeking intention in the world around us and assigning it to a never-present person.

Any attempt to explain the universe will be at least a little counterintuitive, or at least nonintuitive (we don't intuitively understand the nature of the universe). Therefore, religion stems from a belief that minimally offents intuition - personifying forces around you into a person who isn't there.

Religions simply build from there into these grand, complex schemes... but, at their heart, they remain less counterintuitive than a huge bulk of science does.

tl;dr version - religion is intellect misusing an evolutionarily derived 'intention/personas' view of the world that is useful to social animals.

Answer 1

Sounds fairly plausible. Of course, boiling it down like this forces you to simplify, but in general, I think you're pretty much spot on. Except originally, us being social animals, we assigned the will to multiple entities, a whole tribe often, which also serves to explain seemingly contradictory phenomena: The gods don't always agree.

Answer 2

The first organized religions appear to have been based on fertility. They were focused on the worship of the great Earth Goddess. Religion evolved to include male Gods who were gradually given increased importance by the priests. This development may have been caused by developing knowledge of the male's involvement in the process of reproduction.



Most religions teach that they were directly revealed by their deity/deities to humanity, and are unrelated to other world religions. However there is considerable historical evidence from ancient times that religions in the area from India to the Middle East shared many religious beliefs.



Religions were originally based on the particular beliefs of their founders and prophets. Thus, there were few points of similarity among the various spiritual paths:

Answer 3

Okie Dokie..... but, you fail to mention that MOST of the religious are really NOT concerned with the beginning, the how it was made than they are with the *after* this life..... In antiquity, yes there were those who *looked to the stars* for answers, but very few were of the religious mind, they were the *answer seekers*, science, mythology, astrology, etc..... For thousands of years BEFORE the enlightenment years there was calm, just living, going on about daily lives, etc. people..... Your theory may sound good and plausible to many, but it can not ever be much more than that, a theory based upon thoughts and ideas of those who do not believe in God or deities or faith....go in peace.... God bless

Answer 4

One thing I believe about religion is that their must be a start to each. As a believer, I feel that the start of Christianity is God. However, unlike other religions, Christianity allows you to be in a relationship with God. Many religions say that you have to make your own path to God and heaven, by doing all the right things. I believe there is no way we can make it to God by doing all these righteous acts. We are imperfect so we will never measure up to God's perfect standard. This is where God's mercy abides. God forgives us of our imperfections and tells us to purify our hearts through him. It amazes me that the creator of the universe would sacrifice himself for our life and all we have to do is trust him. I still don't fully understand it myself.



Have you ever wondered why every human wants and longs for something? Something like a parent's love, or to fit in with their group of friends. You can not say that you haven't felt the need for love. I believe this is because God put this hunger in our hearts for us to want to know something more and want to know His love. I believe that God is ever present- we just have to open our ears to hear him. Thank you for addressing my other question on your bible question... I think all humans ask the question "why?" and are searching for the truth of why we are here. Thanks for allowing me to think more about creation through your questions.

Answer 5

That makes sense, so is feasible. We see intelligence and intent in nature, when there is none. However, as the origins of current religions are lost in the mists of time and lack evidence, we probably can't know exactly how they began, but the principle could certainly be established.

Answer 6

You say that we were hard wired?????



By whom? Did you know that there is not only a physical world?



God doesn't want religion from us.



All religions, other than the Jewish religion, which was created by God, is made by man and is man’s attempt to please their gods and control other people. All religions have rules, rituals and laws to follow. Every religion believes that they have the answers for redemption. The answer for redemption through religion, lies within man’s ability to perfectly follow it’s teachings which man can not do. Jesus is the only one who followed religion perfectly.



Jesus is God’s way to reach down to mankind with love, forgiveness, acceptance and grace. Jesus is not a religion. He is God and He is the way for man to have fellowship with God.



When we come to Jesus, we are full of the original sin nature and the sins that we have committed. He cleanses us when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior and repent of those sins.



Our redemption and salvation results from Jesus’ willful and sacrificial death on the cross to take our place for our sin nature and our sins. He is the only atonement possible because He is without sin. Jesus does it for us because we are incapable of following any religion perfectly. He did follow the law perfectly.



Coming to Jesus as our Lord and our Savior, not religion, is what God requires for us to become forgiven, sanctified, and have the personal relationship with God that He intended from the start. Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Answer 7

Your theory seems absolutely sound to me.



EDIT: Although, I wouldn't say that science is more counterintuitive than religion, its just easier to attribute the workings of nature to a religious reason because you don't have to bother proving it.

Answer 8

"assigning it to a never-present person."



"into a person who isn't there."



There are eye witness accounts and records. What evidence do you have except your word only? Do you realize that in order to prove your premise, that there is no one there, you would have to examine every place at every time to demonstrate this is so and thereby, if possible, you would become omniscient and omnipresent and, a God.

Answer 9

Yes, I think that's a fairly good theory. Daniel Dennett's intentional stance model is very similar to what you've described.

Answer 10

Excellent theory, as science and reason increase the places god can hide decrease.



Atheism is crushing religion worldwide.

Answer 11

it was something man made up the moment he started to question things around him.



it has evolved into now learning actual facts about the cosmos and not just attributing them to some Deity.

Answer 12

No. Religion came about because somebody in charge used naturally occurring, but unexplainable (at the time) phenomena to say 'God is angry' or 'God is pleased, so listen to me because God talks to me and tells me what he expects from you'.

Answer 13

You got some real garbage that you have been eating lately.



When you die and find out that you had many chances to seek God and find him and you CHOSE not to, you have no excuse.





I wil be in heaven saying i tried.'



It is not too late.



I had a supernatural encounter with God when he showed up and yes He is jesus and I was filled with the Holy spirit and prayed and spoke in other tongues and languages right there in my bedroom



So are being severely decieved



Read mark 16 in the scriptures - It all happende to me!



Love

Answer 14

The first thing early humans worshiped was the elements, later they added names, then personalities

Answer 15

Our thoughts cannot encompass reality. Therefore, all beliefs are categorically false.

Answer 16

I agree with you and barking toad

Answer 17

You're a bit of a talker, you know?

Answer 18

uh huh ... okay then. I am now more confused

Answer 19

You said it well! i agree with you.

Answer 20

idk too much to read.