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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: 2) by tangomargarine on Thursday November 09 2017, @07:43PM (4 children)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_Wager [wikipedia.org]
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From what I remember of the article on female genital mutilation, it's more of a cultural thing than religious (the creepiest part is that it's actually the *women* who are doing it to their daughters). Presumably you're also referring to circumcision.
"Is that really true?" "I just spent the last hour telling you to think for yourself! Didn't you hear anything I said?"
(Score: 2) by Grishnakh on Thursday November 09 2017, @08:00PM
the creepiest part is that it's actually the *women* who are doing it to their daughters
That just reinforces my personal theory that "every group of people is its own worst enemy".
(Score: 3, Informative) by mrpg on Thursday November 09 2017, @09:53PM (2 children)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_mutilation [wikipedia.org]
The practice is rooted in gender inequality, attempts to control women's sexuality, and ideas about purity, modesty and beauty. It is usually initiated and carried out by women, who see it as a source of honour, and who fear that failing to have their daughters and granddaughters cut will expose the girls to social exclusion.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 10 2017, @06:11AM
If gender inequality is the source of this, why is it that these cultures also mutilate males? If anything, I have to say there is MORE equality when both are getting mutilated. I think you're just seeing a random accidental correlation that isn't meaningful, but that happens to suit your anti-traditional agenda.
The idea of control is a bit better, fitting nicely with the fact that women mutilate women and men mutilate men. The younger people of the same sex are a threat to the grey and shriveled old people. This method is horrible, but control isn't bad: spreading STDs and fracturing families is harmful to the continuation of society.
(Score: 2) by Wootery on Friday November 10 2017, @11:50AM
Ok, but these are orthogonal to tangomargarine's point. Some people wrongly think FGM is particular to Islam. In fact it's particular to Africa (in both non-Islamic regions, and Islamic regions like Egypt).