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posted by martyb on Thursday November 09 2017, @06:23PM   Printer-friendly
from the "number-of-the-beast"-is-natural,-whole,-rational,-real,-AND-imaginary dept.

Religious beliefs are not linked to intuition or rational thinking, according to new research by the universities of Coventry and Oxford. Previous studies have suggested people who hold strong religious beliefs are more intuitive and less analytical, and when they think more analytically their religious beliefs decrease.

But new research, by academics from Coventry University's Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science and neuroscientists and philosophers at Oxford University, suggests that is not the case, and that people are not 'born believers'. The study -- which included tests on pilgrims taking part in the famous Camino de Santiago and a brain stimulation experiment -- found no link between intuitive/analytical thinking, or cognitive inhibition (an ability to suppress unwanted thoughts and actions), and supernatural beliefs.

Instead, the academics conclude that other factors, such as upbringing and socio-cultural processes, are more likely to play a greater role in religious beliefs.

[Abstract]: Supernatural Belief Is Not Modulated by Intuitive Thinking Style or Cognitive Inhibition

Would you agree with this conclusion or do you believe that there is something else that influences people's religious beliefs ?


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  • (Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 09 2017, @07:04PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 09 2017, @07:04PM (#594769)

    Humans think they are so special that they are "the chosen ones". This is why those who are religious believe they were created by a god, and are in their god's image. Add that to their fear that "death is the end" and you have fairy tales of gods creating humans and the humans living in an afterlife.

    I find these beliefs irrational and dangerous. Many, many wars have been fought in the name of religion, and the most radial of each religious faction still feel the other religions should be wiped out so their religion - the only right religion - can prosper as their god intended.

    Give me a clear night, a good fire and a cold beer and I'll be in my heaven.

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