(July 24, 2013 at 6:36 pm)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote:(July 24, 2013 at 5:05 pm)Slave Wrote: I am inclined to disagree. Theism is as natural a stance as atheism is. Neither state of mind requires brain washing to attain it, considering that there is a mounting case for the neuroscience of religious belief.
For authors such as those presented in the OP however, his faith seems to be propelled by more than his quest for truth. More like his fear of it.
ALL beliefs are inculcated. Atheism, by definition, is not a belief, it is the LACK of a specific belief.
I've read some (though by no means a lot) about the neuroscience of religionism, and it doesn't seem as if the researchers are making the case that people are born with theistic belief already instilled. Rather, they seem to be making the claim that if you flood a malleable brain with religious imagery and expressions, the brain developes pathways which are more amenable to such flooding in future.
Boru
I have read varying material on the issue and from what I have read, it is plausible to assume that the pathways you speak of for religious belief are not just instilled by our environment but that they are hardwired into our brains. Theistic belief is not limited to your upbringing, is my point.
