There is no brain center that "evolved to process religion". This same brain center lights up anytime anyone has a strong emotional reaction to anything. Studies that make claims like this either (a) dont have a good control condition, or (b) are massively over-interpreting their results. Usually both. These studies are picking up that some people, namely Apple product owners, have strong emotional reactions to the brand. This forum is the last place that should be a surprise.
Even without data specific data to prove the point, this way of interpreting this kind of data isn't sound. Religion hasn't been around long enough to be a factor natural selection could use to act on the genome. Specific correlates of religion (like super strong emotional feelings, or suppressing contemplative reactions) may have been. Those are what you are seeing.
Uh, I am a scientist and all for data-driven analyses.
But a study on circumcision will never be "double blind. Try getting that one past the ethics boards...
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There is no brain center that "evolved to process religion". This same brain center lights up anytime anyone has a strong emotional reaction to anything. Studies that make claims like this either (a) dont have a good control condition, or (b) are massively over-interpreting their results. Usually both. These studies are picking up that some people, namely Apple product owners, have strong emotional reactions to the brand. This forum is the last place that should be a surprise. Even without data specific data to prove the point, this way of interpreting this kind of data isn't sound. Religion hasn't been around long enough to be a factor natural selection could use to act on the genome. Specific correlates of religion (like super strong emotional feelings, or suppressing contemplative reactions) may have been. Those are what you are seeing.
Uh, I am a scientist and all for data-driven analyses. But a study on circumcision will never be "double blind. Try getting that one past the ethics boards...