Individual variation in cognitive intuitions predicts supernatural belief strength

Evidence

The intensity of these intuitions vary from person to person; so does belief in God. Aiyana Willard and I used statistical techniques to find out if the same people who have these intuitions are the ones who are believers in the supernatural. First, we looked at the degree to which individuals mentalize, endorse mind-body dualism, and see the world in teleological terms. Then we looked at the degree to which these same people believed in God. Do these intuitions prepare our minds to accept God? We found that they do indeed. Having these intuitions in abundance makes people more receptive to the idea of God. We also found that these intuitions increase the odds of believing in paranormal events, such as believing in UFOs and in extrasensory perception. Mentalizing tendencies encouraged more dualism and more teleology; in turn, these two intuitions increased the odds of believing in God and believing paranormal events. Of course, intuitive biases increase receptivity to religious beliefs, but they do not wholly determine them. As we shall see later, several other factors are crucial for religious belief to take root. Among these, cultural exposure to displays of religious fervor is important. So are conditions of life that make belief in deities emotionally comforting. — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 74