Is God a product of human evolution?
Dr. Jordan Grafman, a researcher and cognitive scientist at the National Institutes of Health, is leading some interesting work into the mechanics of religious belief.
Recently, for example, he and his team used functional magnetic resonance imaging — fMRIs — to take pictures of blood flows in the brain while 40 volunteers were asked to ponder a series of religious-based statements. Scientists believe that higher blood flow correlates with brain activity. The results suggest that religious thoughts and belief involve the same areas of the brain that perform other higher order brain functions, such as empathy and social interaction.
“People who reported an intimate experience of God, engaged in religious behavior or feared God, tended to have larger-than-average brain regions devoted to empathy, symbolic communication and emotional regulation,” according to Wired. That would seem to confer a degree of scientific blessing on the claim that believers are more likely to be empathetic to their fellow humans.
But Grafman, who elsewhere describes himself as a religious person, also told Wired that he “suspects that the origins of divine belief reside in mechanisms that evolved in order to help primates understand family members and other animals. ‘We tried to use the same social mechanisms to explain unusual phenomena in the natural world,’ he said.”
In other words, humans who tried to understand the motivation of others gained an evolutionary advantage, and over time that advantage altered the mechanisms of the human brain. The capacity for religious belief might have evolved as an accidental side effect of that process, much like an appreciation for music might have evolved.
As Grafman has pointed out, it could also mean that religious belief itself conferred some kind of evolutionary advantage.
It also raises another question beyond the bounds of Grafman’s research: If the human brain had not evolved the capacity for religious belief, would God still exist? Discuss among yourselves.
NOTE: In the posts below, please conduct yourself with a high degree of empathy and respect for others. Or as my mother would say, use the brains the Good Lord gave you. Those who prove themselves incapable will be culled from the herd and prevented from passing on their defective genes to later generations. (OK, I lack the authority to carry out that latter threat. But you get the point.)
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234 comments Add your comment
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:09 pm
thanks Jay – this segues nicely from the discussion downstairs …
I didn’t quite understand this comment, though: As Grafman has pointed out, it could also mean that religious belief itself conferred some kind of evolutionary advantage.
will need to dig around in the Wired article to see where this thought is coming from
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
October 7th, 2009
12:09 pm
How can anything evolve if it hasn’t been first created?
duh, geez.
I rule, mmm, mmmm, mmmm.
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:10 pm
Scooter – twice in one day, my friend! eat my dust!!!
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:12 pm
Dumbassi tribesman believe this i am sure.
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:16 pm
okay, from the secondary article, we get this: “The hope given by religious beliefs to people confronting their own mortality might provide motivation to care for their offspring.”
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/religionbrain/
um. last time I checked, cats don’t have religious beliefs, yet they not only care for their young, they form intergenerational groups to support each other (as do elephants).
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:19 pm
Elephants are mostly Methodists, although a few asian elepants are muslims.
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:19 pm
Cats, I love cats, Dead ones!
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:19 pm
GtG –
LOL … I wonder if elephants sing ALL the verses to the hymns, too
Finn McCool
October 7th, 2009
12:20 pm
USinUK,
I’m thinking that means religion as a coping mechanism.
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:25 pm
Expat: the Pacaderm Methodist Chruch insists they sing every word…
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:27 pm
the most talented are the organists.
ByteMe
October 7th, 2009
12:28 pm
“People who reported an intimate experience of God, engaged in religious behavior or feared God, tended to have larger-than-average brain regions devoted to empathy, symbolic communication and emotional regulation,” according to Wired
Can’t be right. How can you explain the group “Focus on the Family”… unless they only have fake God-asms?
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:31 pm
hey Finneus –
the thing is, though, when you go into the related article, he says it has to do with knowledge of mortality encouraging us to raise our young. and, again, considering cats and elephants (amongst others, I’m sure) band together to raise their children and support each other, I’m not seeing religion playing that big of an evolutionary aid.
creating communities – I can see that. regulating behavior – I can definitely see that.
too bad the sample size was so small and that he limited it to western religions. I would be interested to see what would happen with more meditative religions like Buddhism …
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:32 pm
GtG –
“the most talented are the organists”
only because of the problems they had with the guitarists … (couldn’t stand on his hind feet long enough to get through a song)
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:38 pm
by the way (and so totally off topic) … since I know I’m not the only person who likes a good historical documentary … the BBC aired a great one last night about the Coventry bombing – I’m sure PBS will pick it up, so keep an eye out for it.
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:42 pm
The trombone player is awesome
Matilda
October 7th, 2009
12:42 pm
IMO, it’s a basic human need to believe in something or someone greater than one’s self. While some are content to be “self-sufficient” (at least in their own minds), and have no need for a God, most of them (that I’ve known) supplant that with a belief or an adoration of something or someone else. Science, math, art/music, nature, sports, a dedication to ideas or causes etc., can reign supreme in the minds of “non-believers.” Is there anyone who never had a poster of somebody on their bedroom wall? Gotta have a hero! (… and tear down someone else’s hero while they’re at it.)
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
12:45 pm
Well all I can add is that on many many of my LSD trips I did infact meet GOD.
Also if there were no GOD would we have delicious BBQ and Brunsick stew? Matilda?
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
12:46 pm
And conversely…if there were no Satan would we not have the Dave Mathews Band?
USinUK
October 7th, 2009
12:46 pm
matilda –
now, I had a crush on Parker Stevenson when I was growing up, but never thought he was god …
anyhow, I’m off for the evening … have a good night!!
Matilda
October 7th, 2009
12:48 pm
Turd, an unseen force compelled me to make Brunswick stew this weekend. It was awesome!
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
12:51 pm
I knew it … THERE IS A GOD!!
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:51 pm
EXPAT: I always thought that Rachel Welch was a goddess…
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
12:53 pm
Actually it was Catwoman…Julie Newmar…prrrrrrrr
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
12:54 pm
I once had a Goddess…she was very abusive. LOL.
Taxpayer
October 7th, 2009
12:54 pm
If the human brain had not evolved the capacity for religious belief, would God still exist
If God exists, would all brains have come pre-equipped with said capacity. Or, is it something that evolution removed over time. I think it may have been removed from many brains due to an extreme external influence. At least, I think that’s what happened to me when I first laid eyes on Tammy Faye. It scared the crap out of me but I’ve felt at peace with myself and the world ever since.
Hef
October 7th, 2009
12:55 pm
Off Topic-saw clips of M.Moore on Hannity,gained a little respect for him. 1st he had the guts to go onto that show,and 2nd accounted well for himself in his arguments. Can’t say I’m a fan cause I hated Fahrenheit 911 flick & don’t plan on seeing his new film. He did himself proud from the clips I saw.Lord how does Hannity keep his show? I mean at one time decades ago he was refreshing but now same ol same ol,the schtick has got old.
Dr. Michael Blume
October 7th, 2009
12:57 pm
As Grafman has pointed out, it could also mean that religious belief itself conferred some kind of evolutionary advantage.
Doing research on religion(s) & fertility in Europe (i.e. by studies or censusses including religious affiliation), I completely agree with Dr. Grafman here. In fact, there is a growing body of research on the topic, i.e. in a new publication from Springer “The Biological Evolution of Religious Mind and Behavior”. Or you might want to see the blog of Tom Rees (I don’t advertise mine
), who is reviewing a range of studies on the subject:
http://bhascience.blogspot.com/
It’s encouraging to see that more and more colleagues are joining the fray!
Hulk Hogan
October 7th, 2009
12:59 pm
Speaking of God, lemme tell ya something brother. Saturday night in Memphis the Ulimate Warrior it gonna be praying to God when I put the atomic leg drop across his throat, OH YEA BROTHER, thats right. And Im gonna have with me all the lil hulksters who been saying their prayers and eatin their vitamins. Thats right brother…and get ready Warrior cuz when all those lil hulkster start screaming then the squared circle is gonna erupt in a mayhem of fist-a-cuffs. And what with this Dave Mathews being the God of Brunswick stew…whoever heard of such, brother?
But Ultimate warrior whatcha gonna do when hulkamania runs wild all over YOU??!!!!!
Hef
October 7th, 2009
1:00 pm
GtW-Raquel Welch my god was she hot!! What was that flick where she a group of scientist’s are injected into the body of the President?? in order to save him? Oh by the way my soon wife to be is EXTREMELY HOT!!!!!!!!!!
Normal
October 7th, 2009
1:01 pm
It would be mathmatically impossible for the evolution of the universe and this planet to be where it is by accident. There is a “Creator”.
Whether the “Creator” even knows what It has done, is up to debate. Remember also that Religion has nothing to do with God/Creator. Religion is political.
Normal
October 7th, 2009
1:03 pm
…Gandalf, beware. Cats are Gods! At least they are not of this world…
Matilda
October 7th, 2009
1:05 pm
Normal, I agree. Worth repeating: “Religion has nothing to do with God/Creator. Religion is political.”
Scooter
October 7th, 2009
1:06 pm
USinUK, you are definately on a roll! Looks like i’m going to have to pull a rabbit out of my hat.
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
1:09 pm
Anyone for a good ole fashion rousing game of “Kick the Cat”?
stands for decibels
October 7th, 2009
1:10 pm
Hef, that’d be Fantastic Voyage.
And I too have fond memories of teh hawtness.
Normal
October 7th, 2009
1:13 pm
The End of Times will come when the people of the world wake up and realize that religion is what is holding us back from making that next step in evolution and finally learn to live with one another in peace and prosperity. When the Churches fall, the world will be saved.
Hef
October 7th, 2009
1:14 pm
SFD-Ah that fishnet suit that was torn off by white bllod cells,ohhhhhhh lala. And what was that prehistoric flick with her in the loin cloth? Oscar material if ever there was one.
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
1:15 pm
Four faces only a mother could love…
Austell police arrest four in pawn shop burglary
http://www.ajc.com/news/cobb/austell-police-arrest-four-156806.html
Turd Ferguson
October 7th, 2009
1:18 pm
OH YA…here is a good idea…
“The Michael Vick Project” reality show on BET in early 2010
http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2009/10/07/the-michael-vick-project-reality-show-on-bet-in-early-2010/?cxntlid=thbz_hm
News Hound
October 7th, 2009
1:18 pm
Headlines proving beyond the shadow of the doubt that global warming is upon us:
SNOW PILING UP: Idaho school kids enjoy ‘earliest snow day in history’…
Colorado ski resort boasts ‘earliest opening day in 40 years’…
Vegas ski resort to open ‘earlier than it ever has’…
jconservative
October 7th, 2009
1:19 pm
Great column Jay – this is going to be a lot of fun.
“…religious thoughts and belief involve the same areas of the brain that perform other higher order brain functions, such as empathy and social interaction.”
So now we really do want people on the Supreme Court with a lot of empathy. “…higher order brain functions devoted to empathy…”? And I guess that would apply to people in the White House also? You think?
——–
“…People who reported an intimate experience of God, engaged in religious behavior or feared God, tended to have larger-than-average brain regions devoted to empathy…”
I am going to support Xzxzxz for President because I just know he/she is a God fearing emphatic person.
————–
New bumper sticker—–” Return Empathy to Washington “
Hef
October 7th, 2009
1:19 pm
SFD-And who could forget her fantastic self titled documentary “Mother,Speed,&Jugs”!!!! smile
Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
October 7th, 2009
1:21 pm
G-d created the heavens, earth, man, and women. Those who forget that forget at their own eternal peril. I pray for the G-dless. On that note, I invite all of you to North Point Church in Alpharetta on Sunday at 11 am so that you can enter into a growing relationship with Jesus.
GEORGE AMERICAN
October 7th, 2009
1:21 pm
HERE IS MORE EVIDENCE THAT INTELLIGENT DESIGN IS A LEGITIMATE SCIENCE!!!
HOW MUCH MORE EVIDENCE DO WE NEED TO SHOW THE HIGH-HANDED ATHEIST THAT INTELLIGENT DESIGN BELONGS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ???
Gandalf, the Wise
October 7th, 2009
1:22 pm
The whole is there a God thing runs into trouble when we consider the POTUS’s wife. No god would allow something that ugly to be created, though I suppose she could be the spawn of Satan … any thoughts on this matter?
Hef
October 7th, 2009
1:25 pm
GtW-Even though you may be correct-you’re goin to HE*L for that one@1:22
Normal
October 7th, 2009
1:26 pm
Gandalf, you are so obsessed with Michelle, that I do believe you doth lust after your Presidents Wife’s a$*. Just sayin’
Scooter
October 7th, 2009
1:27 pm
Well, I’m not a religious person but my mom always told me that if I did unto others as I would have them do unto me That my soul would go to a better place for eternity after I died. And as far as I know, my mom never lied to me.
mike
October 7th, 2009
1:28 pm
Normal -
“The End of Times will come when the people of the world wake up and realize that religion is what is holding us back from making that next step in evolution and finally learn to live with one another in peace and prosperity. When the Churches fall, the world will be saved.”
Hmm. My church, like most others, does a boatload of charity work and it is sad to see folks have such a dismissive and negative outlook towards religion.
Religion is not the cause of strife between people. Religion could disappear tomorrow and people would just fall back on other organizing principles to hate like nationalism and ideology.
Let’s not forget that religious principles and leaders led the way in abolishing the slave trade globally and ending the practice here in America. Likewise, the civil rights movement was firmly based in the church initially. As demonstrated in these cases, religion can be an organizational construct for justice.