Why Gods Persist A Scientific Approach to Religion

What is it about religion that appeals to people? Why do religions and religious beliefs persist in the face of increasing secularisation, harsh criticism and even political persecution? Robert Hinde argues that it is not enough simply to criticize religion, we must understand it - not only how it causes so much conflict, but also how it brings comfort to many. Hinde, a distinguished scientist, draws on a wide range of psychological, developmental and evolutionary research to explore this fascinating question. This second edition ofWhy Gods Persist is designed for everyone interested in the subject, either as a student of psychology and anthropology of religion or as a follower of the current controversies over the value of religious belief.

List of illustrations Acknowledgements Preface 1. Religion and science: the questions 2. Some background issues 3. What does it mean to say ‘I believe?' 4. What are gods like? 5. The development of beliefs 6. Why do people believe in gods? 7. The dynamics of belief and its relation to the social system 8. Narratives 9. Ritual: background considerations 1.0 The form and sequence of ritual: magic 1.1 The motivation and consequences of ritual 12. Moral codes: background considerations 13. Prosocial behaviour and reciprocity 14. Other moral precepts 15. Religious experience 16. Social aspects of religious systems 17. Why do religious systems persist? 18. Where do we go from here? Notes Bibliography Index