Religion and genetic/evolutionry origins

A 3min clip on UTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMjTSJR3M6M , shows our nearest animal ancestors, chimps, with whom we share 98.5% of our DNA acting in ways that in my opinion are very suggestive of our human religions both in overt behavior as well as in their emotional and functional significance. The chimps kneel to show reverence to their Supreme Being, aka dominant male. They rest easier knowing that such an all powerful figure is looking after them. The dominant male, in this case as High Priest, represents his parishioners to the presumed creatures threatening them with thunder and lightning, direct predecessors of our ancestors Gods of thunder and lightning.
To me all of this suggests that religion is mother nature's anti-anxiety drug,serving the purpose of getting us to find a place in a social group ruled by a dominant male, warlord, Supreme Being etc. For animals and our early human ancestors, acting "worshipfully" assured our species survival thanks to the dominant male at the helm of our group: "God's in His Heaven all's right with the world."
If all of this is indeed the genetic basis for why religion is omnipresent in human societies, then we are compelled to take part in one form or another of such "hero worship" no different than our genes compel us to have five fingers on our hand.
To me the evidence seems to say that our religious behavior has its origins in a genetic inheritance from our nearest animal ancestors. I would look forward to reading other interpretations of this behavior.
Jay Glass, Laguna Beach, CAEdited by offlineJ, : No reason given.

Welcome offlineJ,It is not astounding that chimps, as well as animals barely related to humans, show submissive behaviour when afraid.It would be great if you would provide some personal viewpoints or opinions that can be debated. For example, do you think religion is completely the same as natural submissive instincts? Would you say that animals have 'religion'? How would you explain the difference?That's just an idea, not a questionaire!Since I am new at this, I will definitely be looking for second opinions. I hope you enjoy your stay at EvC!Edited by Adminastasia, : No reason given.

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Having just published a 200+ page book, The Power of Faith: Mother Nature's Gift to answer these issues, let me try just one,ok maybe two, in space alloted. A lone wolf or chimp is dead. If one does not have the hormonal drive or physical ability to become the dominant/Supreme Being, survival requires finding a place in the dominance hierarchy Evolution has attached positive emotional feelings to those behavior necessary for survival, that is why we try so desparately to accomplish their goals. By placing oneself within a dominance hierarchy, wolves, chimps, humans, have a good feeling "God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world." It is therefore only natural, in our genes, that we take part in such a system. Our human intellect sublimates these instinctual needs into a variety of institutions that allow our primal brain to feel it is accomplishing the goal of the instinct.--From the book:"Religion is mother natures anti-anxiety drug. If it is genetic, our need to live under the umbrella of an all-powerful being is no different than having five fingers on our hand--no choice. Keep in mind a variety of structures can accomplish that goal, sports hero worship for example.

I think there is potential here, specifically in this sentence:

quote:

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Religion is mother natures anti-anxiety drug. If it is genetic, our need to live under the umbrella of an all-powerful being is no different than having five fingers on our hand--no choice. Keep in mind a variety of structures can accomplish that goal, sports hero worship for example.

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If you can re-write your original message, include this paragraph and who wrote it, and also something in your own words about whether it is right or wrong, then I think we can get somewhere.Remember, what you would like to discuss should be as clear as possible. If you would like to do a book review type thing, you can do that as well.Edited by Adminastasia, : No reason given.

Hi, I just noticed that you have rewritten the opening post.I will remind you to take advantage of spell checks, etc. Like I've said, we have had similar topics about the origins of religious behaviour. I will go ahead and give you a shot at this, and I hope you have fruitful and lively debate.

Thread copied to the Religion and genetic/evolutionry origins thread in the Miscellaneous Topics in Creation/Evolution forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.