http://motherboard.vice.com/en_uk/read/t...eve-in-god
EXCERPT: . . . One theory, as illustrated in this short video from New Scientist’s Explanimator series, presents the possibility that religion emerged a long time ago as an evolutionary adaptation. According to this argument, early forms of organized religion were necessary for the building of clans that helped to ensure the long-term survival of large groups of people. Religion encouraged clans to unite around a shared belief or ritual, and allowed for the cultivation of community practices like foraging for food, hunting, and sharing childcare duties. These things would have given religious groups a key advantage over their competitors. So as these clans continued to thrive and survive, their genes were passed on, and religion was selected for by evolution, according to the video....
EXCERPT: . . . One theory, as illustrated in this short video from New Scientist’s Explanimator series, presents the possibility that religion emerged a long time ago as an evolutionary adaptation. According to this argument, early forms of organized religion were necessary for the building of clans that helped to ensure the long-term survival of large groups of people. Religion encouraged clans to unite around a shared belief or ritual, and allowed for the cultivation of community practices like foraging for food, hunting, and sharing childcare duties. These things would have given religious groups a key advantage over their competitors. So as these clans continued to thrive and survive, their genes were passed on, and religion was selected for by evolution, according to the video....