29 DEC 2013 by ideonexus

 Overbeliefs

The "overbeliefs" of an enlightened man rest on the firmest basis of reality available. This he finds in the scientific picture of the universe of his age. On this foundation of natural knowledge he erects a unique unproven structure of "overbeliefs" concerning his universe, origin, life, hereafter, religion and God. "A man's religion must not give the lie to the world in which he lives. It must be as intelligent as Man". If the overbeliefs of an individual cannot be proven inconsistent with ...
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Human beings see the world through our desires and build a universe to fit with what we want from it.

27 APR 2012 by ideonexus

 Analytical Thinking Reduces Religiosity

Some have argued that belief in God is intuitive, a natural (by-)product of the human mind given its cognitive structure and social context. If this is true, the extent to which one believes in God may be influenced by one’s more general tendency to rely on intuition versus reflection. Three studies support this hypothesis, linking intuitive cognitive style to belief in God. Study 1 showed that individual differences in cognitive style predict belief in God. Participants completed the Cogni...
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Three studies using math questions written to evoke an intuitive answer, a survey of cognitive styles, and using analytical thinking exercises to reduce the belief in god demonstrate analytical thinking reduces religion in the individual.