Psych Basics

Religion
Atheism, Faith

Most of the world's population is part of an organized religion. Whether or not there is a god or gods, we've evolved to believe, and both faith and the social aspects of religion serve many positive functions. Of course there are drawbacks to structured belief too, so keep your mind open.

Organized Religion

The Brand Loyalty of Religion is Unsurpassed.

Religion rules the brand loyalty roost.

by Gad Saad, Ph.D. in Homo Consumericus

Mythbusters: Let Us Prey

Does religion reduce aggression?

by Dawn Stanton

Happiness and Religion, Happiness as Religion

Can a happiness workshop inspire, comfort, and support like temple/church?

by Sonja Lyubomirsky in How of Happiness

With God As My Shrink

Can faith-based counseling heal the mind as well as the soul?

by Pamela Paul

Religion: With God as My Wingman

Knave-protection from the nave.

by Matthew Hutson

Is sport a religion?

Sport is replacing religion

by Nigel Barber, Ph.D. in The Human Beast

See Also

Why We Believe

Origins of Religion in the Child

God doesn't have birthdays.

by David Elkind, Ph.D. in Digital Children

Why Jesus Roots for Your Team

Why you assume higher powers are on your side.

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

Play Makes Us Human III: Play Is the Foundation for Religion

To have faith is to make believe.

by Peter Gray in Freedom to Learn

Magical Thinking

Why a little magic is good for you.

by Matthew Hutson

See Also

Atheism and Skepticism

An Atheist in the Pulpit

When a preacher loses his faith.

by Bruce Grierson

Politics: One Nation, Without God

Will we ever elect an openly atheist president?

by Matthew Hutson

Eccentric's Corner: Super Humanist

Teller is all hocus and no hokum.

by Matthew Hutson

Religious People Aren't as Scientifically Naive as We Think

Despite popular consensus, religious people aren't necessarily stupid.

by Jesse Bering, Ph.D. in Quirky Little Things

Inoculations Against Religiosity: Intelligence and Education

Anti-religion vaccines: intelligence and education.

by Gad Saad, Ph.D. in Homo Consumericus

Politics: One Nation, Without God

Will we ever elect an openly atheist president?

by Matthew Hutson

See Also

Religion Tests

Paranormal Beliefs

Do you believe in the Supernatural?
More Tests

The Latest on Religion

Sport is replacing religion by Nigel Barber, Ph.D.
Eastern and western contemplative practices help with stress management by Thomas Plante, PhD
When our beliefs become their most rigid by Ilan Shrira
Devoutness and Death by Daniel R. Hawes
Politics, religion and science: what's the relationship? by Massimo Pigliucci
Can making a Want List help you find the love and sex you crave? by Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Where does entertainment lead us? by Peter G. Stromberg, Ph.D.
It's not all relative. by Peter Cave
What being bullied taught me about friendship by Lynne Soraya
How does seeing become believing? by Michael Kaplan

Religion Blogs

  • Thomas Moore

    Care of the Soul

    Creating a richer life and a more beautiful world.
    By Thomas Moore

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