The articles “Evolution of religion” and “God in our Genes” presents a distinct definition of religion and its evolution based on research on the ancient practices and the religious beliefs practiced by different religions. Various theories present numerous definitions of religion. For instance, in Latin, religion is known as religare or relegere meaning “to bind” and “to go over again” respectively. Religion is associated with a supreme being, God, to whom religious believers fix their faith and belief. For instance, some forms of Buddhism say believing in God strengthens their religion. Nevertheless, different religions hold different perceptions regarding the beliefs of other religious groups. Some define religion as anything you want it to be. Nevertheless, according to Thomas Aquinas, religion denotes a relation to God. Additionally, Karl Marx defines religion as the sigh of the oppressed creature, the sentiment of the heartless world, the soul of the soulless conditions and the opium of the people. Despite the definitions, the essay analyzes the ideas and theories presented in the two articles identified in the context relating to the aspects of religion.
To begin with, Jeffrey Kluger, author of the article “Is God in our Genes” analyzes the rituals and beliefs that fasten the faith of the religious believers. The main purpose of leading a spiritual life is to establish a great relationship with God. True believers associate their faith with a strong feeling of a higher rank closer to God and far beyond the non-believers. Believers suggest that there are different utilitarian reasons to get religion ( Kluger, 2004 ). God is a supreme being to whom all religions are based upon. The need for God is then facilitated by religion. As a consequence, the faith induced by religion towards God is hardwired into the genes of religious believers hence associating God's gene with faith and religious belief.
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The article on the evolution of religion presents research on how religion ideas survive. Religion beliefs are considered as best options that are associated with sacred texts and rituals, which in return dictate the codes of conduct and practices carried out by religious communities. In the ancient era, there were mythical figures who had contemporary stewardship based on different religious aspects. In return, religious believers are expected to adopt religious ideas and adhere to a divine moral code for behavior. In pre-axial age, religious beliefs were based on controlling natural forces such as tornados and flooding that could pose a threat to their lives. Nevertheless, in consideration of the biological roots of religion, religious ideas are compared to an infectious poison that affects the brain spreading from one believer to the other. Different religions have distinct beliefs that need to be maintained by every believer. For instance, Christianity compares the word of God to a mustard seed that should be planted in the hearts and minds of people.
According to Jaspers, in 1949 during the axial age, the spiritual foundations of humanity are laid independently and simultaneously and support the foundations of humanity base on religious aspects. During the axial age, religious interest has been influenced by various metaphysical aspects including political conflict, social conflict, violence, and education. In return, these aspects have induced different thinking worldwide. Therefore, regarding the question of whether God’s gene still exists, the article suggests the replacement of religion with the aspect of spirituality. Spirituality has been associated with traditions, society, and characters that are not attached to religion. From the articles, religion was a group identity bound with common beliefs and ritual bonds. However, as defined by Alfred North Whitehead, religion is what the individual engages in with his own solitariness. In conclusion, the aspect of religion promotes cohesion and unity in society and promotes righteousness since religion is based on the belief of God as the ultimate in righteousness and truth.
References
Kluger J . (2004). Is God in our genes? A provocative study asks whether religion is a product of evolution. Inside a quest for the roots of faith. 164(17):62-8
Historical View of the Evolution of Religious Thought.
