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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 ?
(Score: 5, Informative) by Grishnakh on Thursday November 09 2017, @07:09PM (1 child)
or the result of some idiot's agenda ("kill anyone who doesn't believe what I've told you to be the truth", "give my church all your money", "kneel before Zod").
This is entirely wrong. When someone tells you "give my church all your money", and you comply, it's not the asker who's the idiot. Charlatans like Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, etc. likely aren't stupid, they've just figured out a good con and found a bunch of idiot suckers willing to hand over their money.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 09 2017, @08:13PM
Creflo Dollar still needs that jet, people. Keep those donations coming in.
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/13/living/creflo-dollar-jet-feat/index.html [cnn.com]