Perhaps. But look at the psychological literature, or as an alternative the video above. I suspect that religion evolved because cooperating, truth telling human beings probably have an evolutionary advantage over their counterparts simply because as a result of group trust induced by religion, we can form armies and other important groups. In an ideal world we would cooperate without such external influences, but it is not the way we on average or even in majority are wired. I don't believe for one minute in Geeesys, Allah or any other of these invisible deities [although I do believe in GOD, which is not the same as God, as I have stated before]. In addition, religion has kept society backwards for at least a thousand years and continues to make us backward even today. However, I strongly believe, as I have stated before, that religions do have a part that makes them extremely useful to societies. It is those parts that humble me greatly. The world is gray. I wish we could do away with the other side of the gray.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exactly.
[QUOTE="nitro, I suspect that religion evolved because cooperating, truth telling human beings probably have an evolutionary advantage over their counterparts simply because as a result of group trust induced by religion, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You know I do like you nitro. But what do you say here? Do you think religion is what make humans cooperative? Do you think religion make peoples truth telling? Do you think group trust is from religion groups?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The video is so fast and the english language is different. But I understand when he talk about colors represent affinity. The red color is attractive, but not in the politics to Americans.
My Jesus' theory about the Real Jesus' Theory would be quite different from the Mainstream Jesus' Theory that was politically created and developed/implemented only after the Real Jesus' Theory had been fairly well accepted by not only the Jesus's followers but also the general public. Because the Real one is telling truth (liberty, equality and democracy) about a Cosmic/Holistic/Universal God (like a Gigantic Mother Nature) that everyone is able to establish a meaningful personal relationship with, either good or bad or anything in between ! Unavoidably - due to daily interactions with the nature and other people! Challenging the conventional wisdom that the authority tried to use religion dogmas (including social class, etc.) for ruling the general public. (The authority therefore wisely adopted/transformed the Real Jesus' Theory to a Mainstream Jesus Theory!) I would consider Jesus was a pioneer for humanism and human rights and should be greatly respected by some atheists because of the courage and sacrifice for developing and promoting the Real Jesus' Theory. The following book I just received is for this Easter reading. It covers a bit of Gospel of Mary (Chap. 10) and Gospel of Philip (Chap.11) as well.
Apparently nitro is reading much more into the vid than is actually being said in it. His stated belief is for a GOD and not God which seems a lot like Odd Trader's Real Jesus Theory and not Jesus. Like a KING ARTHUR or The Real King Arthur Theory, or JOHN HENRY or the Real John Henry Theory, or ROBIN HOOD and the Real Robin Hood Theory. I know, it's daft, but that's religion for you
I suggest it's very clear how a greater appreciation of the way and the why superstition evolved develops and works provides a better understanding of religion. Superstition is to nature what religion is to reason. The mad daughters of wise mothers. with apologies to Voltaire