ABSTRACT
Modern theorizing about supernaturalism as a consequence of universal cognitive mechanisms continues a long tradition, which regards religion as the product of common mental operations. One starting point for the analysis of religious thinking is the notion that humans use two modes of information processing and judgment, described as intuitive and reflective, automatic and deliberate, System 1 and System 2, or "nonreflective belief" and "eflective belief". Willard and Norenzayan measured religiosity, "paranormal" beliefs, and life's-purpose beliefs together with mentalizing, dualism, teleological thinking and anthropomorphism in two North American samples. Dualism, animism, anthropomorphism, Theory of Mind and teleology are intuitive mechanisms which induce the animistic-teleological mindset, and introduce ways of imagining consciousness in other minds. Secularization challenges theories which assume that the forces pushing humans to create and support religious ideas are constant and eternally present. Western Europe and East Asia show the highest levels of secularization, but no one will suggest that historical changes occurred because of modified brain architecture.
