Essay on The Evolution of Religion - 880 Words

The Evolution of Religion Near the end of his novel, Darwins Dangerous Idea, Daniel Dennett questions religion and contends that it was an evolutionary process to keep humans entertained. He says they [religions] have kept Homo Sapiens civilized enough, for long enough, for us to have learned how to reflect more systematically and accurately on our position of the universe(519). Dennetts position is a controversial one, and it is difficult to argue because it is such an abstract subject. Religion is associated with free will, and has been part of humans for thousands of years. Is religion as we know it useless now, have we arrived at the point in evolution where it is no longer necessary? Dennett never completely dismisses†¦show more content†¦Armstrong and Dennett agree that religion will disappear altogether. Will beliefs that have survived so many years and tribulations just cease to exist. The thought that they may evolve instead seems to be is more comforting. Perhaps certain beliefs will merge together, or break off, some religions might die out while others will gain strength and change direction. The change of religious affiliations is becoming more evident. From 1980 to 1999 in the U.S. the percent of protestants, catholics, and jews either remained the same or shrank, while the other percentage rose significantly (http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/statab/sec01.pdf). This demonstrates, that even though it may be subtle, religion is changing direction. Religions have greatly benefitted the human population throughout history. According to Dennett, They [religions] have inspired many people to lead lives that have added immeasurably to the wonders of our world, and they have inspired many more people to lead lives that were, given their circumstances, more meaningful, less painful, than they otherwise could have been(518). Does this suggest that altruism is only in existence as a result of organized religion? Altruism and religion both came with the emergence of free will, but not necessarily conjunction with each other. Religions incorporated altruism into their belief systems, but it isShow MoreRelatedThe Evolution of Religion1318 Words   |  6 Pagescreate a smoke-and-mirrors effect. In many ways this story is similar to the creation and interpretation of religion by individuals within society. In the following pages I will discuss this metaphor, as well as Rudolf Otto and his theories on the creation of religion, Peter L. Berger’s theory of â€Å"the sacred canopy,† and finally the intermingling of these two theories in the evolution of religion. RUDOLF OTTO AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE In The Idea of the Holy, Rudolf Otto begins by explaining theRead MoreThe Evolution of Religion Essay967 Words   |  4 PagesThe Evolution of Religion As long as humans have walked the Earth, we have sought out answers. Answers for questions like: Why are we here? Where do we go when we die? 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Over time and by process of natural selection only the dominant species were leftRead MoreEssay about Religion Evolution2362 Words   |  10 Pages(about -270à ¸ C/-454à ¸ F). This relic radiation was detected by radio astronomy in 1965, thereby providing what most astronomers consider to be confirmation of the big bang theory.3 In this statement we have our first of arguments over creationism by evolution. We have the beginnings of a proof that there was a time or rather, I should say, a point in time where there was indeed nothing.Many creationists will argue that the universe is too ordered; the path of the planets (which meant wanderers, or greatRead MoreEvolution Of Religion Studies, Theories, And Criticisms By Tom Sjoblom1284 Words   |  6 PagesInitially, when examining the article, The Evolution of Religion Studies, Theories, Critiques by Tom Sjà ¶blom the author attempts to identify what various actions taken by prehistoric humans mean. Sjà ¶blom begins by explaining that humans are storytelling species and that this storytelling was extremely important to our cognitive evolution as well as the creation of symbolic and cultural behavior. This storytelling ability and cultural behavior he believes arises from, â€Å"a narrative mind which emerged