Religion is evolution.....? Interesting theory.

Forums: Spirituality And Religion, Religion, Evolution, Philosophy, Dennett
Email this Topic • Print this Page

On Point's Tom Ashbrook takes a look at religion with philosopher Daniel Denett. Denett's theory has religion (all types) blend seemlessly with evolution in an unexpected way. He believes that religion is a process of evolution. He wants to study the whole process of religion using scientific standards. A fascinating interview. You can listen by clicking the link below. Another guest, Stephen Pope (Professor of Theology, Boston College) adds his 2 cents as well.

On Point

Topic Stats
Top Replies
Link to this Topic

Type: Discussion • Score: 2 • Views: 1,431 • Replies: 18

No top replies

Re: Religion is evolution.....? Interesting theory.

littlek wrote:

On Point's Tom Ashbrook takes a look at religion with philosopher Daniel Denett. Denett's theory has religion (all types) blend seemlessly with evolution in an unexpected way. He believes that religion is a process of evolution. He wants to study the whole process of religion using scientific standards. A fascinating interview. You can listen by clicking the link below. Another guest, Stephen Pope (Professor of Theology, Boston College) adds his 2 cents as well.

On Point

The general concept of evolution is unavoidable at every level. Human thought and associated concepts are caught up in it just like everything else.

Thanks for the link.

0 Replies

Sure, did you listen? Or, rather, will you listen?

0 Replies

I haven't the patience right now, but I'll check this out later. Thanks, littlek.

0 Replies

I'm trying to listen to the whole thing now - I only caught parts.

"Babbling atheism" heehee....

0 Replies

brains and beauty...damn littlek, you're something else!

0 Replies

I didn't come up with the theory - just posting the link! But, um, thanks!

0 Replies

Daniel Dennett's bio page: HERE

0 Replies

Nice link, 'k - thanks.

In a way, I think it sorta goes along with the point I was trying to make HERE

0 Replies

The book on the subject: "Breaking The Spell"

The professed atheist is trying to level the playing field by taking away the special treatment of religion - the mysticism - so that we can converse on religion with better understanding. He is looking at religion via biology and other scientific fields to see what it really is. Communities can then understand what this "it's real to me" perspective is which religious people speak of.

Hmmm... reminds me of a Larry Niven short story.....

0 Replies

I'll read you later, Timber, thanks!

0 Replies

An interview by Spiegel International with Daniel Dennett: Interview

0 Replies

Sorry about the fragmented additions as I listen to the program.......

People are pre-disposed to develop a sense of awe and wonder in the face of nature - religion becomes a product of evolution. Some people are more disposed to developing strong beliefs and some are less disposed. Sounds like he's wrapping up the legitimacy of religion.... not really. He equates the fact that most cultures have religion with the fact that all cultures have the common cold virus in their midst.

0 Replies

Now that some school boards are advocating that science be examined through the prism of religion...I think religion should be examined through the microscope of science.

0 Replies

That's an interesting link -- thanks for sharing it LittleK! Dennett's ideas sound similar to those of Richard Dawkins. They seem particularly close to Richard Dawkins' thesis in his essay Viruses of the Mind, which states that religions relate to the human brains as computer viruses relate to computers. It's an interesting perspective, and I'm curious to read about the insights Dennett gained from it in his new book.

0 Replies

Dang. I didn't even know that there was this taboo forbidding scientific investigation of religion. What year is it? I can't wait to see some results. World peace may be just around the corner! (nah)

0 Replies

Interesting post, Timber. I'll listen when I have time.

This has the makings of a good topic.

0 Replies

that website wrote:

Dennet's conclusion is that religion is not miraculous or supernatural, but a product of nature itself -- of Darwinian evolution, like the finch's beak or the opposable thumb. If that sounds like sacrilege, maybe it is.

This is what I've thought for years.
Ever since I read this book

0 Replies

Ack - I can't read more than one or two lines of white text on black background. My eyes are still twitching.

0 Replies

Religion is evolution.....? Interesting theory.

Related Topics

Quick Links

My Account

able2know