Ordinary cognition, not special modules, produces religious beliefs

Evidence

Religious beliefs and rituals arose as an evolutionary by-product of ordinary cognitive functions that preceded religion. These cognitive functions gave rise to religious intuitions—for example, that minds and bodies are separate entities and that the former can exist without the latter. These intuitions support widely held religious beliefs and related practices, such as gods, spirits, and souls of various types and characteristics. Once that happened, the stage was set for rapid cultural evolution—nongenetic, socially transmitted changes in beliefs and behaviors—that eventually led to large societies with Big Gods. — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 44

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 44
• XREF: connects to: Costly signaling theory cannot explain religious displays without cultural transmission.; Religious belief is a by-product of cognitive predispositions, not an evolved adaptation — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 357; Disbelief arises through four distinct psychological and cultural paths (+4 more)