Subsistence and the evolution of religion

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Religious Studies

Background:

• Cross-cultural studies investigate the origins and functions of religious beliefs.
• The role of supernatural beliefs in social cohesion and cooperation is a key area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between societal technological complexity, subsistence productivity, and the prevalence of High God beliefs.
• To explore the potential role of leadership in the development of moralizing High God concepts.

Main Methods:

• Cross-cultural comparative analysis of societies with varying levels of technological complexity and subsistence strategies.
• Statistical examination of the correlation between societal characteristics and the presence of High God beliefs.

Main Results:

• Societies with higher technological complexity and subsistence productivity are more likely to believe in active or moral High Gods.
• Pastoralist societies exhibit the highest prevalence of High God beliefs.
• Foraging societies are least likely to have High God beliefs.

Conclusions:

• Belief in moral High Gods may have emerged as a strategy by leaders to promote cooperation in resource-scarce or difficult-to-manage environments.
• Supernatural enforcement of moral codes facilitated social cohesion, enabling population growth and inter-societal competition.
• The development of High God beliefs is linked to the need for social control and cooperation in complex societies.