There is a God (gene)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/weekinreview/12wade.html?_r=1&ref=weekinreview

The New York Times published research that human brains seem to be wired for worship as we are also wired for language.

Oh, if scientists discover God, that proves it!!

Well of course all the research proves, if it proves anything, is that worship is part of our human equipment. Religion confers an evolutionary benefit for survival of societies, say the theorists. Religion made people sacrifice for their kindred, religion made people sacrifice their lives in war. Rulers coopted religion as part of their authority. Vespasian's last words were "Drat! I'm becoming a god!"

It's hard to think of a way to comment on this from my point of view which is that there is true relgion and false religion. The earliest discoveries show floors for large communal dancing as early as 7,000 B.C. How long did those societies survive, but never mind. The quest for ecstasy by 20th century evolved to large dancing floors of rock concerts. Religious impulses call us to the civil rights movement, as religious impulses fuel Islamic fundamentalists.

As William James said, in the deepest region of our soul "seraph and serpent abide side by side." God, help us!




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