Research shows belief in supernatural punishment, rather than 'big gods' of religion gave rise to complex societies
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 - 10:30
in Paleontology & Archaeology
(Phys.org)—A team of researchers with ties to several different institutions in Australia has published a paper in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B refuting claims made by other researchers that the advent of "big gods" characteristic of such religions as Islam and Christianity, were one of the driving forces that led to large civilized societies. In their study, they found that instead, it appears a stronger force was more likely fear of supernatural punishment for those still living.