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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, Interesting) by tangomargarine on Thursday November 09 2017, @07:48PM
Religion is a way of making sense of the world. Instead of everything in life being a random chaotic clusterfuck, it's nice to be able to think there's a grander purpose, justice, compassion, etc., etc. "The world would be better if we were just in charge; it's nonbelievers mucking it up and ruining everything."
And for most reasonable people, it should be easy to accept that other people may know more than you. The problem is who you listen to, and what they're saying.
But then from there, obviously organized religion doesn't really encourage you to think for yourself, because then they have a harder time maintaining their flock.
"Is that really true?" "I just spent the last hour telling you to think for yourself! Didn't you hear anything I said?"