Why Gods Persist | A Scientific Approach to Religion | Robert A. Hinde

ABSTRACT

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

chapter 1|10 pages

The questions

chapter 2|22 pages

Some background issues

chapter 3|13 pages

Structural beliefs

The nature of religious belief

chapter 4|7 pages

Structural beliefs

Dynamics, codification, and relation to the social system

chapter 5|15 pages

Structural beliefs

Why do individuals hold religious beliefs?

chapter 6|16 pages

Structural beliefs

Religious representations

chapter 7|17 pages

Structural beliefs

The development of beliefs

chapter 8|5 pages

Narratives

Narratives in everyday life

chapter 9|8 pages

Ritual

Background considerations

chapter 10|12 pages

Ritual

Form and sequence; magic

chapter 11|12 pages

Ritual

Motivation and consequences

chapter 12|13 pages

Moral codes

Background considerations

chapter 13|24 pages

Moral codes

Prosocial behaviour and reciprocity

chapter 14|10 pages

Moral codes

Other principles

chapter 15|14 pages

Religious experience

chapter 16|7 pages

Social aspects

chapter 17|27 pages

Persistence

chapter 18|10 pages

Conclusion