The Evolution of Religion 

Prof. Diamond argues that religion has encompassed at least four independent components that have arisen or disappeared at different stages of development of human societies over the last 10,000 years.

Diamond is a supremely talented theorist and gifted story teller. Give this 82 minute long lecture your undivided attention and you won’t be disappointed. 

– Bill Maher 

While I was working on my computer at the off-campus student lounge today, a slender, awkward, goobery-looking black man, probably in his mid-20’s, walked over to my table and stood, staring at me with a tentative look in his eyes. Turning my head towards him, I took off my headphones, and said “Hey, what’s up?” 

I had seen him once before. At our last encounter, he asked me if I was interested in learning more about the bible, to which I responded, “I’m going to be honest with you: I don’t follow the Bible and don’t intend to. I mean no offense. Holy scripture simply doesn’t meet my standards for believability.” He smiled awkwardly, said “okay”, and then continued walking around the room, asking other non-threatening-looking people similar questions. I’m always made really uncomfortable by these ”Nice to meet you. Do you believe in God?” interactions, and I am never satisfied with my responses. The topics are deeply personal and sentiments on all sides are never well articulated during the short time they’re afforded. 

This time, with total sincerity, he asked, “Would you like to join the conversation we’re holding over there?” [he points at half dozen or so grouped together tables] “We’re holding an informal discussion about scripture. You don’t have to know anything.” Admittedly, I defaulted to “No thanks”, internally, but reasoned that his persistence was admirable, and deserved a more thoughtful response, so decided to bite my lip. I told him that I was thankful for the invite and might be interested, which was true, but had time-sensitive work that demanded my attention, which wasn’t true.

On my walk home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had somehow let myself down in missing out on an opportunity to learn about people who’ve adopted a perspective entirely alien to mine, my family’s and my friends’. I certainly didn’t have to be an abrasive atheist. I didn’t have to defend my beliefs in the presence of those that come contrary to mine. I could have sat down and soaked the conversation in. The truth is that, despite all my preaching for tolerance and acceptance, I was still kind of hesitant to spend time with people who believe themselves to be beholden to a God, because that cosmological perspective is so dramatically different than my scientific approach.

I’m disappointed in myself. Unreasoned cowardice is the nursery for intolerance and hatred. It’s the worst reason to avoid doing anything.So I’ve resolved to attend next week’s meeting as a spectator, with a more open approach to understanding the acquisition, staying power and elements of theistic beliefs with these people.