The Biological Value of Religion

[Dystopia]

Yes, precisely. You said it well. I do think that's an excellent question for 'science of religion' to address, and ties directly into everything else.

I've always wondered if there is a type of cognitive/psychological/neurological mechanism that creates a predisposition to religion and theistic beliefs - We all know there are people who believe even when presented with clear evidence (and by clear I mean the kind of evidence any minimally educated person cannot deny and must acknowledge), there are highly intelligent and educated people who are religious, there are people who are raised non religious/atheists and convert - I take it that there has to be some kind of pattern that makes these people believe - And this is something I've always believed in even though there is not evidence to confirm it.

See my above response to Cato. I'm not so sure that will ever be possible--I say that simply as an observation, not really sure if it's a "good" thing one way or another.

Well all societies have a religion/s, I'm sure religion will prevail even when Mankind can naturalistically explain all mysteries. The numbers may come down, but they certainly won't disappear.

True, I was only making the point that I think I'm beginning to grow disenchanted with the way many atheists--and I include myself as one of them until very recently--seem to want to paint all religious people with a broad brush as either stupid, brainwashed, naive, dishonest, or what have you, and I was simply saying perhaps we should treat it in terms of those other things (politics, hobbies) on the singular point that within 'religion' exists great diversity of ideas--some useful, some harmful, some thoughtful, more true, others not, etc.

I think it's unproductive to insult and dismiss religious people as dumb right away, I certainly don't see much humane value in doing so - If religious people could have moderate attitudes, I wouldn't have a problem with them, even if I disagree with their theistic beliefs - Even as an anti-theist, I don't think it's just in anyway to discriminate, legally or personally/intellectually someone for being religious

That's certainly the case for many, and believe me, I'm as vehemently opposed to those types of--shall we call--coercive or dogmatic religions, as anyone... but can we paint all believers into that corner? I don't think so. I think a great many do come to belief through their own choice, a prime example being Leo Tolstoy (if you're not familiar with his conversion story, I'd recommend it... heavy stuff).

I don't think invoking a particular worldwide recognized write will give theism/religion any merit, but I get it that there are people out there who voluntarily convert and genuinely believe to be making the right choice - That's what leads me to believe that a belief predisposition must exist.