Nicholas Wade

Question 1:

nicholas — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:12:49 +0000

The Faith Instinct argues that a propensity for religious behavior is innate, meaning that such an inclination is present through heredity in the neural circuits of the mind. Does this seem a reasonable view, or have some readers never been aware of any such feeling?

Question 2:

nicholas — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:12:31 +0000

The book also argues that music evolved as an inseparable part of religion in early human groups, even though its role has been reduced in modern religions. Does music seem an emotionally important part of religious services and if so does that argue for some deep connection between music and religion?

Question 3:

nicholas — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:12:09 +0000

Another theme presented in The Faith Instinct is that religions evolve from predecessors, somewhat as languages do, and that therefore all religions are likely to be connected through a common tree of descent. Is this plausible, and if so does it matter?

Reader Comments

nicholas — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:11:27 +0000

I would be grateful for readers’ comments on the following questions, and on any other aspects of the book that may have been of interest.

Other Comments:

nicholas — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:54:59 +0000

Any other comments are welcome here (I will try to reply to all or many).