Is Believing In God Evolutionarily Advantageous?

[Kawazu]

Howdy,

This was an interesting story that I thought I might share:

Is Believing In God Evolutionarily Advantageous? : NPR

Enjoy.

[Matthew0059]

Interesting article. Thanks for sharing!

[hordak]

Interesting, though not very faith promoting especial from an LDS point of view.

It seems to say belief in God today, is for the same reason our great great great etc. grand parents believed in Donar (aka thor). It helped them survive. but today we call it myth. Will the same be true for us?

Plus the whole idea of doing right so God don't punish you might be in line with other Christianity, But it clashes (IMO) with the Plan of doing right to become like God, and sounds more like the rejected "I will make them do right" plan.

[Kawazu]

Plus the whole idea of doing right so God don't punish you might be in line with other Christianity, But it clashes (IMO) with the Plan of doing right to become like God, and sounds more like the rejected "I will make them do right" plan.

Isn't doing right for the carrot or doing right because of the stick more or less the same thing so far as mortal consequences are concerned? Positive social behavior is still promoted, either way.

Aside from that, LDS people share a belief that some sort of post-mortal negative consequence will be incurred by sinful actions, yes?

[hordak]

Isn't doing right for the carrot or doing right because of the stick more or less the same thing so far as mortal consequences are concerned? Positive social behavior is still promoted, either way.

Aside from that, LDS people share a belief that some sort of post-mortal negative consequence will be incurred by sinful actions, yes?

"If consequence dictate action it doesn't matter what's right, It's only wrong if you get caught." James Maynard Keenan.

I see a similarity but disagree. Depends on why you want the carrot.

Just today at the store when walking through the parking lost i saw an elderly lady struggling under the hood of her car. First thing that came to mind was to ask if she need help. She did and i helped.

My wife was walking behind me, had i stopped to help for fear my wife would "get on me" about not helping , or had i done it to show off to my wife the same task would be completed but it certainly isn't the same.

Pay tithe to avoid "hell" (Stick)

Pay tithe to get personal blessings (Carrot)

Pay tithe because it can build up the kingdom (Carrot)

All have the same positive behavior, but are not the same in the long run. (I believe this is why there are not only divisions of the kingdoms, but divisions in the kingdoms as well.)

Doing the right this because it is right, doing the right thing to get praise, and doing the right thing to avoid punishment are 3 entirely separate things.

[Moksha]

Seeking meaning to life is a great survival method, considering Dr. Viktor Frankl's observation, that those who were able to best survive the holocaust were those who had a belief in a greater meaning emanating from a higher being.

Those who have been able to fall back on their beliefs in time of grief can readily attest to beliefs bringing succor and relief. I believe therefore I endure, could be their hopeful cry.

[Kawazu]

"If consequence dictate action it doesn't matter what's right, It's only wrong if you get caught." James Maynard Keenan.

I see a similarity but disagree. Depends on why you want the carrot.

Just today at the store when walking through the parking lost i saw an elderly lady struggling under the hood of her car. First thing that came to mind was to ask if she need help. She did and i helped.

My wife was walking behind me, had i stopped to help for fear my wife would "get on me" about not helping , or had i done it to show off to my wife the same task would be completed but it certainly isn't the same.

Pay tithe to avoid "hell" (Stick)

Pay tithe to get personal blessings (Carrot)

Pay tithe because it can build up the kingdom (Carrot)

All have the same positive behavior, but are not the same in the long run. (I believe this is why there are not only divisions of the kingdoms, but divisions in the kingdoms as well.)

Doing the right this because it is right, doing the right thing to get praise, and doing the right thing to avoid punishment are 3 entirely separate things.

Greetings,

I agree with the general sentiment that you espouse however it seems to me that Christianity would not have experienced the exponential growth it has had if the Savior had said:

"Love me. Peace out."

There's all that stuff about the meek inheriting the earth. That's what gets people to sign up. Naturally, we are all supposed to do what is right because it is good. Then again, I am fairly sure I have heard the phrase, "...just building my mansion in heaven," in reference to performing (unpleasant) acts of service for others. Nobody enjoys investing time and energy without recompense, even if the reward is a post-mortal, "'at-a-boy" delivered at the end of eternity.

This is just human nature.

Regards,

Kawazu