Cognitive Mysteries of Religion: A Conversation with Professor Armin W. Geertz

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

How do our brains naturally predispose us towards religious beliefs? In this episode of Religion in Praxis, we dive deep into the cognitive science of religion with Professor Geertz, a leading figure in the field. We start by exploring what the cognitive science of religion entails and its importance for understanding human belief systems. From there, we examine how our brains naturally predispose us towards religious beliefs and how these beliefs align with our evolutionary brain capacities.

Is atheism or secularism against our natural inclinations? Why is it easy to be religious? We also talk about the interdisciplinary nature of studying religion, considering insights from anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience. Professor Geertz shares his views on religion as an evolutionary adaptation and how it may have benefited early human societies. We also discuss the diversity of religious beliefs across cultures, discussing how evolutionary brain capacities, along with environmental and societal factors, contribute to this diversity. The episode also looks at the role of rituals, the ethical implications of attributing religious beliefs to evolutionary brain capacities, and how cognitive science can help bridge the often-contentious dialogue between science and religion.

Finally, Professor Geertz shares some surprising findings from his research and offers insights into the future of the cognitive science of religion, including predictions about religious belief and practice in increasingly secular societies.