Dan, I agree that this might be a more useful approach;namely, to
construct a framework of belief or systems that could be more socially and
morally constructive. I don't agree that all supernatural belief systems
are equally adaptive or moral (a point you were not making, but some do).
As a psychological scientist respectful of human foibles, I often find
myself having some sympathy for some of the new-age belief development
precisely because
they are trying to construct a more moral, humanistic, and yet realistic
framework. A lot hinges on whether people feel the ideological framework of
supernatural beliefs become a social and moral problem, or whether they
simply feel the problem is with intrinsic human qualities. Does the gun
pull the trigger or do people? As psychologists I feel we have to recognize
that both are problems. Your post suggests that some are suggesting or
presuming that religion will be/should be done away with given the
advancement of.....?? I think this is a straw man presumption, as I know of
few who actually subscribe to such a view or consider it remotely likely.
It is interesting to speculate
as to different ecological conditions that might foster varying belief
systems in future peoples who might inhabit space, but those of us grounded
here, do seem prepared or disposed to construct belief systems to protect
ourselves from direct encounters with reality. Perhaps it is because
science has developed checks and methods to counter such self-deception that
it is seen as a threat. I take the view that we always see efforts to
develop new religious movements, but that a more useful approach is to
support and encourage a more tolerant and also realistic religious
temperament. Just some thoughts in response, I am sure others are far more
attuned to such discussions than I. Gary Peterson
Some references I have found thought-provoking on such issues:
Becker, E. (1973). __The denial of death.__New York: Free Press.
Berger, P. L. (1967). __The sacred canopy: Elements of a sociological
theory of religion.__Garden City,
New Jersey: Doubleday.
Fromm, E. (1964). __The heart of man: Its genius for good and
evil.__New York: Harper and Row
Schumaker, J. F. (1990). __Wings of Illusion: The origin, nature, and
future of paranormal belief.__
Buffalo, New York: Prometheus Books.
-----Original Message-----
From: Daniel Kruger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Saturday, August 14, 1999 10:25 AM
Subject: An Immodest Proposal
>Given the recent postings on religious and supernatural topics, I would
like to take the opportunity to suggest a new area of discussion. As
intelligent and knowledgeable people, I believe we can progress beyond
quibbles over whether the world was *really* created on the back of a turtle
(etc.) and focus our efforts on something much more productive. Even with
our tremendous advances in understanding in the last few centuries,
religions and supernatural beliefs persist. Fields of social science such
as anthropology have well documented the functions religions and
supernatural beliefs play at both the individual and social levels. Given
the recent findings that religious beliefs/behaviors may contribute to our
well being even after other likely influences are controlled for (e.g.,
http://www.newswatch.org/mediacritic/july99/990701m1.htm), it is likely that
the capacity for religious/supernatural beliefs has been adaptive for our
survival and reproduction.
> China and the former Soviet Union have demonstrated how difficult it
is to eradicate religions/supernatural beliefs. Instead of taking this
questionable approach, it may be more effective to evaluate components from
different systems of belief to determine which are beneficial to individuals
and society as a whole, and which should be cast aside to the dustbin of
history. Some social scientists believe that understanding our world is not
enough, we are obligated to improve it as well. Just about every other area
of our lives has been or will be studied in this manner, it is only logical
to extend this analysis to one of our most cherished domains. Perhaps the
construction of a system of belief that maximizes benefits and minimizes
adverse effects would be beneficial to our continued survival and quality of
life.
>
>Daniel J. Kruger
>Department of Psychology
>Loyola University Chicago
>
