What is the evolutionary strategy for religion? Every society has one. Or is it that no society without a religion has survived? Certainly for primitive societies religion answered a lot of un-answerable questions, but with knowledge many religions, fearing loss of political influence, actively opposed world-facts (as opposed to world-views), to the point of persecution. That's still going on today, 250 years after the enlightenment.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I do not think it is entirely a case of religion having an evolutionary strategy, (though it does), so much as evolution not having a strategy for religion. Evolution only works retrospectively, if you survive the challenge of a change in your environment at all, then you get better at meeting the challenge over time, but natural selection can not foresee the challenges beforehand. And no animal ever met quite such a big change in their environment quite so quickly as humans did when they invented, first language and then culture. We have therefore no evolved tools from nature to deal with these things, and are thus ready made victims for anyone, (religious, political or commercial) who can manipulate language and culture.
Fernapple
Level 9
Oct 19, 2018
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Cohesive tribal groups are more likely to survive and, therefore, breed. That which aids cohesion thrives.
Yosemite62
Level 4
May 9, 2018
0
Evolution has no agenda or goal and evolution is not necessarily progress. Natural selection and survival of the fittest also does not necessarily mean survival of who is "right". For example, The Catholic Church terrorized and coerced people into having more children than they can afford. This still goes on today. On day, evolution may select out those who have certain religious beliefs. Those religions who refuse medical care are good candidates.
GuyKeith
Level 8
May 9, 2018
0
Interesting. One can hope evolution will select out those with religious beliefs, but I have my doubts. I was thinking about primitive societies. Since the enlightenment, religion has become less necessary for survival and, I believe, even detrimental to it.
Eventually I think all religions will fall to the realms of myth, which they all are. Unfortunately evolution is painfully slow in getting there.
Slappy_Longarms
Level 7
May 9, 2018
1
Evolutionary strategy for religion? I doubt there is one. However, Most religions have several goals in common. They are: to survive, continue to grow, help people, save souls, and become more influential. But, I am not sure if this is what you mean by evolutionary strategy. Is it?
You say no society without religion has survived. I question that. China and Japan are, for the most part, atheistic/agnostic when it comes to believing in a supernatural deity. This is also becoming true for Europe and North America according to the poles.
My personal theory is that as societies become more reliant upon and trusting of science, they tend to be less religious. Evangelical religions are currently fighting for influence and survival. Many believe our President is their hope for making America a Christian nation.
Cgosling
Level 4
May 9, 2018
1
I'm not sure about the lack of religion in China and Japan. The Japanese believed firmly in rebirth within 28 days. The Chinese had many religions, many gods. By evolutionary strategy, I mean why was a religion necessary to the survival of ancient societies? Things like dietary laws are an obvious need for the health of the people, Tribal unity in the face of enemy tribes may be another. These things are woven into the fabric of a religion for the well-being of members.
The missions statement for most of them?
- Breed more followers and don't ask too many questions.
- Get them to breed more followers and not ask too many questions.
- Get them to breed more followers and not ask too many questions.
- I think you get where this is going.
Religion doesn't really have a plan beyond that. Just keep pairing 2 people together, hope that they produce more than 2 offspring, raised to stick their fingers in their ears and shout 'la-la-la' very loud at the suggestion that the whole thing might be nonsense, and to also breed more than two offspring. The congregation increases exponentially with each generation (especially if you encourage large families.) Happy days.
NicoleCadmium
Level 7
May 9, 2018
1
Go forth and multiply.
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