Breaking the Spell

1. Religion as a Natural Phenomenon Demands Scientific Scrutiny

It is high time that we subject religion as a global phenomenon to the most intensive multidisciplinary research we can muster, calling on the best minds on the planet.

Religion's pervasive influence. Religion is a powerful force that shapes social, political, and economic landscapes, as well as the personal meanings individuals find in their lives. Its global impact necessitates rigorous, multidisciplinary investigation to understand its nature and effects.

Breaking the taboo. A scientific approach to religion requires setting aside traditional reluctance and taboos. This allows for a forthright examination of religion as a natural phenomenon, free from preconceived notions or biases.

Informed decision-making. Understanding religion is crucial for making informed and just political decisions. By studying religion scientifically, we can better navigate its complexities and mitigate potential conflicts.

2. Science Can and Should Study Religion

The question is not whether good science of religion as a natural phenomenon is possible: it is. The question is whether we should do it.

Religion is a natural phenomenon. Religious experiences, beliefs, practices, texts, artifacts, institutions, conflicts, and history are all unquestionably natural phenomena. As such, they are amenable to scientific study using the tools of neuroscience, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines.

Overcoming obstacles. While there are obstacles to the scientific study of religion, such as biases in data-gathering and investigator-interference effects, these can be overcome through rigorous methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. The potential benefits of understanding religion outweigh the risks of inquiry.

Gould's non-overlapping magisteria. While Stephen Jay Gould proposed that science and religion occupy non-overlapping domains, this does not preclude science from studying religion itself. Science can and should study what religion does, even if it cannot do what religion does.

3. Religion's Benefits Must Outweigh Its Costs

Eventually, we must arrive at questions about ultimate values, and no factual investigation could answer them.

Assessing the net impact. To justify the scientific study of religion, it must be shown that religion provides net benefits to humankind and that these benefits would be unlikely to survive such an investigation. This requires a careful accounting of both the positive and negative effects of religion.

Potential risks of inquiry. There is a risk that scientific investigation could damage or disable religion, potentially disrupting the life-enriching enchantment it provides. However, this risk must be weighed against the potential benefits of increased understanding.

The need for evidence. Claims about the virtue of religion must be supported by evidence, not just fervent belief. Skeptics should not be expected to refrain from expressing doubts if religious proponents are unwilling to put their convictions under the microscope.

4. The Human Mind Is Primed for Religious Belief

We may conclude, therefore, that, in all nations, which have embraced polytheism, the first ideas of religion arose not from a contemplation of the works of nature, but from a concern with regard to the events of life, and from the incessant hopes and fears, which actuate the human mind.

Hyperactive agent detection. Human beings have an innate tendency to attribute agency to anything complicated that moves, leading to the perception of spirits, gods, and other supernatural entities. This "hyperactive agent detection device" (HADD) is a key ingredient in the formation of religious beliefs.

The intentional stance. Human beings are also skilled at adopting the intentional stance, treating other entities as agents with beliefs, desires, and intentions. This allows us to make predictions about their behavior and interact with them effectively.

The power of language. Language amplifies our natural tendencies by allowing us to share and elaborate on our beliefs, creating a virtual world of imagination populated by agents that matter to us. This virtual world provides fertile ground for the development of religious ideas.

5. Folk Religions Evolved to Meet Basic Human Needs

Religious allegory has become a part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps millions of people cope and be better people.

Addressing existential anxieties. Folk religions often provide comfort in the face of suffering and allay our fear of death. They offer explanations for things we can't otherwise explain, such as natural disasters and personal misfortunes.

Promoting social cohesion. Folk religions encourage group cooperation in the face of trials and enemies. By providing a shared set of beliefs and practices, they create a sense of community and solidarity.

The role of ritual. Rituals play a key role in folk religions, serving as memory-enhancement processes that help preserve and transmit cultural knowledge. They also provide a sense of order and control in a chaotic world.

6. Organized Religion Transformed Folk Religion Through Stewardship

The more we learn about the details of natural processes, the more evident it becomes that these processes are themselves creative. Nothing transcends Nature like Nature itself.

From folk to organized. The emergence of agriculture and larger settlements led to the transformation of folk religions into organized religions. This involved the development of written creeds, theological systems, and hierarchical structures.

The rise of stewardship. Organized religions are characterized by the presence of stewards, individuals who take on the responsibility of preserving and promoting religious beliefs and practices. These stewards often have a vested interest in maintaining the power and influence of their institutions.

The domestication of religion. Like domesticated plants and animals, religions have been shaped by human intervention. This has led to the development of more elaborate and sophisticated belief systems, as well as the exploitation of religious practices for political and economic gain.

7. Belief in Belief Reinforces Religious Conviction

Science is like a blabbermouth who ruins a movie by telling you how it ends.

The power of profession. Religious belief isn't always belief; it is often profession. The act of publicly declaring one's faith can be more important than the actual content of that faith.

Strategic belief maintenance. Religious institutions often employ strategies to maintain belief, such as emphasizing mystery, discouraging inquiry, and promoting a sense of community among believers. These strategies can create a self-reinforcing cycle of conviction.

The problem of indeterminacy. The vagueness and ambiguity of religious doctrines can make it difficult to determine what people actually believe. This can lead to a situation where people are more committed to the idea of belief than to the specific tenets of their faith.

8. Morality's Foundation Is Independent of Religion

As every enquiry which regards religion is of the utmost importance, there are two questions in particular which challenge our attention, to wit, that concerning its foundation in reason, and that concerning its origin in human nature.

The myth of religious morality. The claim that religion is necessary for morality is not supported by evidence. Moral behavior is found in both religious and secular individuals, and there is no clear correlation between religious belief and ethical conduct.

The source of moral values. Moral values are not derived from religion but from a combination of evolutionary predispositions, cultural norms, and individual reasoning. Religion may provide a framework for expressing and reinforcing these values, but it is not their ultimate source.

The dangers of religious morality. Religious morality can be rigid, intolerant, and prone to violence. By grounding morality in reason and empathy, we can create a more just and compassionate world.

9. Education and Open Inquiry Are Essential for a Free Society

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The value of knowledge. Knowledge is power, and it is essential for making informed decisions about our lives and our societies. We should strive to learn as much as we can about the world, even if it challenges our deeply held beliefs.

The importance of critical thinking. Critical thinking is essential for evaluating claims and arguments, identifying biases, and avoiding manipulation. We should encourage critical thinking in ourselves and in others, especially in matters of religion.

The role of education. Education is the key to creating a free and democratic society. By providing people with the knowledge and skills they need to think for themselves, we can empower them to make informed choices about their lives and their beliefs.

Last updated: February 25, 2025