Why Gods persist: a scientific approach to religion
London ; New York
Routledge
Includes bibliographical references )p. ]267[-290( and index
Robert A. Hinde
Preface -- Religion and science : the questions -- Some background issues -- What does it mean to say I believe? -- What are Gods like? -- The development of beliefs -- Why do people believe in Gods? -- The dynamics of belief and its relation to the social system -- Narratives -- Ritual : background considerations -- The form and sequence of ritual : magic -- The motivation and consequences of ritual -- Moral codes : background considerations -- Pro-social behaviour and reciprocity -- Other moral precepts -- Religious experience -- Social aspects of religious systems -- Why do religious systems persist? -- Where do we go from here?