What is the evolutionary advantage to religion?

does playing the quitar get you laid?art is a cultural evolution but it has influence our genetics. sometimes, those who are artistically talented will breed more than the more athletically inclined. thus the cultural has influenced what genes get passed on. do preist get laid more? (sorry. had to insert the obvious joke.) but judaism requires marriage for their religious officials and all but shuns ordinary followers who don't reproduce (how else will they be numbered as the stars?). humans are interesting creatures. our intellect and communication skills allows us to surpass 'mere' genetics. religion may or may not have any evolutionary bonus, but it is one of the obvious responses to the very same question we ask when receiving gifts (on christmas?) "what else?". humans question their environment. herein lies the source of religion, not in some desire to breed.

like smoking pot? just because something persists does not mean it has a genetic benefit. genocide can't possibly be an evolutionary positive. and yet my dear president is dipping his toes in.

yes, but it also decreases genetic diversity and that's bad for everyone.This message has been edited by brennakimi, 01-02-2005 10:55 AM

actually, wolves and chimpanzees have been recorded in genocidal wars. just ask jane goodall.