Evolutionary Origin of Religions and Religious Evolution: Religious Neurosociology

The paper proposes that the evolutionary origin of religions is based on theory of mind as the product of interdependent division of labor between the forest specialist group (women and small children) and the woodland specialist group (men) in early hominins who lived in the mixed forest-woodland habitat. To complement each other’s work without interfering each other’s work, one specialist group had to recognize (imagine) that the other specialist group existed to think for themselves and to do different works. The result was theory of mind which is to recognize (imagine) that the others exist to think for themselves. (The forest-woodland groups became the hunter-gatherer groups for the Homo species in the savanna habitat.) Under existential pressure, hominins invented imaginary specialists as imaginary agents who existed to think for themselves and to do different works in imaginary division of labor to enhance survival chance. The result was religion with imaginary behaviors. Therefore, religion is defined as a set of beliefs and behaviors based on theory of mind that produces a shared imagination to enhance survival chance under existential pressure. This paper proposes that the religious evolution consists of the premodern imaginative religion for local society habitat starting from bipedalism, the modern rational imaginative religion for regional society habitat starting from the Axial Age, and the postmodern diverse rational imaginative religion for global society habitat starting from the Information Revolution. In conclusion, the religious brain is the imaginative brain, and the religious social behaviors are imaginary social behaviors. The religious evolution is the evolution of human imagination to enhance survival chance under existential pressure, such as the religious reinforcement of social bonds to enhance the survival chance of social group and the religious relief of stress and anxiety to enhance the survival chance of individuals.

A Review of Research on New Religions in Chinese Academics

Nowadays with the rise of social and economic developments of China and the closer international exchanges,problems of new religions have emerged.They have become a cultural phenomenon concerned by the whole society.Moreover,it is an important issue any government has to face.This thesis reviews the research work on new religions in Chinese academics from three aspects:(1)a classification of related concepts;(2)the emergence of new religions;and(3)how to understand and deal with the problems,attempting to distinguish theoretically“new religions”from“cults”.Thus,the paper tries to provide conceptual suggestions to academics and governments.

Bad TV,Beleaguered Doctors,and Buried Religions

We’re trying a few new things here at TWOC,namely,not going with an overall theme.Instead,we’ll be bringing you stories from a variety of perspectives from around the country to help provide a more comprehensive view of the modern Middle Kingdom,and we hope to continue to bring you the best in Chinese culture,society,entertainment,language,and long-form journalism for a long time to come.

Five Major Religions in China

CHINA is a nation of many religions, the main five ones being Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Roman Catholicism and Christianity (Protestantism). There are also some special religions of some minority nationalities or regional beliefs. Buddhism was introduced into China from India around the First Century, and gradually developed into several sects including the Han-language-family Buddhism, the Tibetan-language-family Buddhism (or Lamaism) and Pali-language-family Buddhism. For all of these sects, recent data reveals there are more than 9,500 Buddhist temples and 170,000

Epistemic Analysis of Kantian Ethics of Duty Call vis-a-vis Paranormal in Nigerian Society Among Nigerian Clergymen

This work is geared to carry out epistemic analysis of Kantian ethics of duty call vis-à-vis paranormal in Nigerian society among clergymen.The recent changes in Nigerian and other African countries like colonialism that brought Western education,globalization,urbanization,and new religion(Islam and Christianity)have made it that divination in traditional African religion is no longer in vogue in this contemporary period.Divination and fortune telling have taken a new dimension in form of faith healing and miracles by some prophets and so called men of God like pastors,priests,and imam.The quest for materialism among the ministers and clerics of Islamic,Christian and traditional religion has made them abuse their religious calling for their selfish interests.This work makes use of analytic and critical methods of data analysis.This work postulates that Immanuel Kant’s ethics of duty call serves to provide a guiding principle to Nigeria clergymen of different religions on the need for them to carry out their religious duties out of good will.On the other hand,twisting or distorting the teachings of their religion to serve their various selfish interests contravenes Immanuel Kant’s ethics of duty call.Finally,they have to contribute positively to nation building by propagating or fostering the positive ideology,theories,or doctrines that will promote love and national unity in a multicultural country like Nigeria.

Religion and “Zero-Dose” Vaccination Status in Children Aged 12 to 23 Months in Benin and Togo: “Evidence of Demographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys”

Introduction: The relationship between religion and health has been a topic of interest in the past, and in recent years it has become increasingly visible in the social, behavioural, and health sciences. This work aims to study the influence of religion on the “zero-dose” vaccination status of children aged 12 - 23 months in Benin and Togo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which consisted in carrying out secondary analyzes using the databases of the most recent editions of the Demographic and Health Surveys in Benin and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) in Togo. We extracted data concerning the vaccination status (“1 = zero-dose”, “0 = vaccinated”) of the children, the religious affiliation of the head of the household or the mother and other variables related to the child, the mother, the household and the environment. By means of a logistic regression, the adjusted effect of the religious affiliation of the head of the household or of the mother on the vaccination status at “zero-dose” was determined. Results: A total of 2430 and 933 children were respectively included in the study on behalf of Benin and Togo. The prevalence of “zero-dose” vaccination status in children aged 12 - 23 months was 33.91% (95% CI = 31.67 - 36.23) in Benin and this prevalence was 26.88% (95% CI = 23.50 - 30.55) in Togo. In Benin, there is no evidence in favour of the influence of the religious affiliation of the mother on the “zero-dose” vaccination status of children. In Togo, children living in households whose head was Muslim (ORa = 3.44;95% CI = 1.29 - 9.13) were more likely to be “zero-dose” than those coming from households run by individuals with no religious beliefs. Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the basis for the excess risk of “zero-dose” vaccination status in children that appears to be associated with the Muslim religion.

The Contemplation for Mental Health: A Short Review—I

Research and results: Contemplative practises use positive electromagnetic vibrations to speed up mental health recovery, while spirituality and religion bring love, hope, happiness, and compassion. Self-transcendence increases cortisol and serotonin receptor binding, suppresses norepinephrine, and reduces mental health issues. Mental health professionals must respect preferences, record religious beliefs, provide spiritual materials, and encourage socialisation. Self-determination, autonomy, and choice should be prioritised in mental health care. This therapy’s significant, long-term, and undeniable effect is undisputed. Research purpose: To publicise mental health-promoting spiritual and religious practises. Methods and tools: The author, a psychologist with 20 years of introspective training, summarises the findings after being cured of psychopathology, with only the relevant insight points. “Contemplative Practice” is an integrated therapy for psychiatric patients and health care providers that promotes mental health through spiritual and religious activities. Self-analysis and, theoretically, a Google Scholar literature search help the author create the therapy. Result: The author develops a contemplative science research methodology. Conclusion: Positive psychology and metaphysical contemplation can miraculously improve mental health.

An Introduction to the Culture of Zhuang’s Mo Religion Scriptures

Like all the religions in the world,Mo religion is a classic one believed by all Zhuang people.It believes in and worships the gods,having truth in a thing that life and death are manipulated by the gods,that life and death can be reincarnated,and that human beings can be recreated.It has a set of systematic interpretations of the universe,celestial bodies,life and death,misfortune,fate,soul,salvation,etc.It has the omnipotent,omniscient and the infinitely wise.The first Patriarch Bulotuo appeared as the supreme god and master.His professionals are called“pumo”and religious scripture of Mo religion is called“sɯ³⁵mo³⁵”!Mo religion’s activities are known as“hok⁵⁵mo³⁵”.

Organ Donation and Obstacles: University Student Survey

Background: Organ transplantation has helped improve the quality of life of patients with lethal terminal organ failure. This success is owed to the progress made in many fields such as surgery, immunology…However, in our country Morocco, we are faced with reluctance to donate. The study’s objective is to evaluate the perception of organ donation among university students. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims. Our target population consisted of 991 university students from eight higher education structures. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to those students by a single interviewer. The questions of the survey answered four main themes. Thus, two types of studies were done. The first was a descriptive study of the socio-demographic characteristics of the selected population and their knowledge and attitudes about organ donation. The second was an analytical study of the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics, type and level of education of the target population and their knowledge and attitudes towards organ donation. Results: 97.2% of the respondents have already heard about organ donation. If 836 of the students (84.4%) thought that transplantation could be an effective therapeutic alternative, 155 of the students (15.6%) were not aware of this possibility. Furthermore, 298 students, which means 30.1% of the students, did not know that organ transplantation was practiced in Morocco. The causes of refusal found in our study were numerous. 68.5% of students blamed the lack of information as the main cause of their reluctance. 64.7% were afraid of organ trafficking. 41.1% refused the idea of mutilating the body of the deceased, which could impact the funeral. 37.3% thought that donation would be a violation of the human body according to religious values. 33.9% were against donation because they hoped that the brain-dead patient could wake up. The main results of our survey showed the very favorable attitude towards organ donation and transplantation, despite the lack of knowledge on the subject. Conclusion: This study revealed the absence of information on the practice of organ transplantation in Morocco and the underestimation of the number of people waiting for transplantation. On the other hand, like the data found in the literature, our study highlights the religious obstacles and the lack of confidence in the legislation governing donation and transplantation in our country.

苯教因明学文献与研学制度评介

Logic in Bon Religion is one of the important elements in the Logic popular in Tibet.This article based on a discussion of the development of Logic and the important literatures of Bon Religion,the process of and time phases of studying Logic of Bon Religion,describes four important characteristics of Logic of Bon Religion.Namely,there are similarities and differences between the Logic of Buddhism and that of Bon Religion first of all.Secondly,Logic of Bon Religion bears an invaluable tradition of traditional Tibetan culture regardless from the perspective of Logic,Philosophy,the literary works conducted by the respective scholars.Thirdly,like the other sciences,the development of Logic of Bon Religion experienced a process of from uncomplete to completion,from an independent subject to a science with various disciplines.Fourthly,Logic of Bon Religion is an academic field with a strong validity.

初探宗教现象学

宗教现象学是当代西方文化中使用现象学方法来诠释宗教的一种学说,它在理论上与传统宗教的理性实体学说和自然神学理论相区别,一是将宗教的论证方式由外在实体出发转向由人的直观意识出发,二是将对神的论证由理性论证的途径改变为意识直观和生存体验的途径。宗教现象学把人的直观意识体验和生存感受作为其理论的出发点,它同时把宗教理解为前导入的生存的意义纲领。宗教现象学跨越了现象学、存在主义、解释学、心理学、人类学及神学等多个学科,尚有许多理论问题有待进一步澄清。

The Eight Stages of Psychosocial Protective Development: Developmental Psychology

The proposed universal psychological mechanism for developmental psychology is the mental protective system whose different parts emerge and mature in the eight different stages of psychosocial protective development under different social interactions. The proposed eight stages of psychosocial protective development are childhood (infancy, toddlerhood, pre-juvenile age, and juvenile age), adolescence, early young adulthood, late young adulthood, early middle adulthood, late middle adulthood, early late adulthood, and late late adulthood. The mental protection system consists of four socialities (collectivistic, individualistic, interdependent, and generativity), three worldviews (territorial, competitive, and cooperative), and the mental immune system for four regulated and unregulated countermeasures (hyperactivity, phobia, comforter, and rationality) against adversities. During childhood, dependent children have collectivistic sociality under the protection of committed parents and territorial worldview with the boundary of family. Children start with the unregulated mental immune system without delayed gratification due to mental immaturity, and gradually acquire the regulated mental immune system with delayed gratification through mental maturity. Adolescents transit to adulthood. Independent adults have the regulated metal immune system, individualistic sociality with reciprocity, and competitive-cooperative worldviews without boundary. After the age of 50, older people as elder leaders-mentors develop generativity sociality to protect next generation. The paper shows that the mental protective system as the universal psychological mechanism for developmental psychology explains clearly psychosocial protective development, the human evolution, the Piaget’s cognitive development, the Erikson’s psychosocial (ego-social) development, the Confucius’ (educated person’s) six milestones of life, and parent-child relation in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and Confucianism.

关于威廉·布莱克的《老虎》的再评定

人们对英国十八世纪的著名诗人威廉·布莱克的“ＴｈｅＴｉｇｅｒ”一诗的争论和分岐颇多。本文作者依据对原诗的理解以及对各种参考资料的综合分析，阐述了作者对“老虎究竟象征着什么？”，“诗文本身到底表达了怎样的思想内容”等问题的一些见解。其中涉及对Ｂｌａｋｅ的生平和宗教信仰的新评定，也有对诗的内容及韵律等方面的再挖掘。

On Cultural Barriers in Intercultural Communication

This paper probes into formation and problems of cultural barriers in actual communication.It analyzes reasons why that these cultural barriers come into being and proposes solutions to these problems with several examples.

《说文解字》虫部字的宗教文化意蕴

Some characters in Shuowenjiezi? Chongbu have close relation with the chinese ancient time’s primitive religion culture,it conveys the Chinese ancient’s worship of the deity and the ghost,it shows us the primitive religion ideology in Chinese ancient time.

The Mental Protection System for Protective Behaviors: The Social Brain and the Mental Immune System

The physical protection system of the body consists of the protective organs for vulnerable body parts-functions and the protective countermeasures against invaders (pathogens), but to survive, the body also requires the protective social groups for vulnerable social members-functions and the protective instinctive mental countermeasures against adversities such as hardship, danger, and unfamiliarity-uncertainty. As a result, this paper proposes that the mental protection system of the body consists of the social brain to set up the protective social groups for vulnerable social members-functions and the mental immune system to produce the protective mental countermeasures against adversities. This paper proposes that from the social brain, the protective social groups include alliance group for vulnerable individuals, kinship-friendship group for vulnerable children, interdependent specialists group for vulnerable pregnant females, territorial group for social boundary, connective group for social connection, and competitive group for social competition. From the mental immune system, the mental protective countermeasures include comforter against hardship, hyperactivity against danger, phobia against unfamiliarity-uncertainty, and rationality against unfamiliarity-uncertainty. The overactive mental immune system causes mental allergies and auto immune diseases as personality-mental disorders against ubiquitous harmful and harmless perceived adversities, correlating to physical allergies and auto immune diseases against ubiquitous harmful and harmless detected invaders. The mental protection system also produces personality traits, social moralities, social organizations, social systems, religions, and cultures as described in this paper. The mental protective system is the source of protective behaviors.

Philosophy of GodForm:Power Authorities, Functional Position Levels, Religion and Science

In this work,author expressed new R-Synthesis specifically.Good and/or correct perspective that must be behind the definitions and administration generally expressed.New perspective of the philosophy explained generally.Philosophy of GodForm is defined and expressed as connected/related with the following concepts:(a)basic principles,(b)17 upper constructional philosophies,(c)14 lower constructional philosophies,(d)eight basic philosophies.As special cases,Philosophy of Engineering and Technology,Philosophy of Wireless Administration and others defined as hybrid philosophies.17 specific components/units which can be considered to define the basic principles of the related formation,are proposed to be designed by GodForm and defined by the author.Philosophy of GodForm and its relation with Values and Positions specifically defined.New Era Theory and New Era Belief explained generally.Some specific religions/beliefs are defined as variants/forms of the Progressive Religion.Good and/or correct power authorities(R-Power Authority)are defined due to 29 categories.Functional position levels defined for the R-Power Authorities with a unique table.As result of the R-Synthesis,functional position levels of some philosophers,some scientists,and of Prophet Jesus,Prophet Mohamed,Prophets Mouses,Buddha,and of Confucius generally/specifically defined.Integration and past/present effects of some R-Power Authorities in 5 x 5 Ideal Political Construction specifically explained.New Era Belief,Concepts of GodX and Science relation explained with the following concepts:(1)Religion of GodForm,(2)Knowledge of GodX,(3)Nature of GodX.With this respect,some other characteristics of 7 GodX power authorities expressed with details as complementary information.Following concepts/systems defined to arrange and solve some/most/all religious problems,which are determined with R-Synthesis:(a)Religious Responsibilities and Positions,(b)Ideal Religious Administration,(c)Sustainable/Continuable Political Administration System,(d)Community Values Council/Authority for each world country,(e)Progressive Councils.15 general religious position categories defined to express their good and/or correct meanings/values/responsibilities in the religious system.21 general/specific cases/programs defined due to New Era Belief to solve possible past/present/future community values problems,to have continuous,judicious,and progressive administration about the 36 kinds of community values.Progressive Councils,which are related with the CUS-WW-HO,are defined.Progressive Religion Council and some of the related religious responsibilities expressed for the kind progressive religion studies due to the Philosophy of Progressive Religions.

Samuel P.Huntington:Chosen Peoples?Gods,Nations,and Rulers——Religion and Nation in International Politics

In March of 2002,a Harvard Academy research team received a grant for the project“Religion in Global Politics”.The aim of the research was to provide a systematic,broad,and comparative analysis of the impact on global politics of religious beliefs and organizations.The project was led by the veteran Harvard scholar Samuel P.Huntington.The result of his research into the link between religion and national identity and the question how they influence international relations was never finished or published.From the available unfinished manuscripts and various draft papers from the Harvard University Archives Samuel P.Huntington Personal Archive,the article tries to establish the content of Huntington’s probably last article while also providing the missing references for the first time and attempts to put the writing in its context within the author’s oeuvre.

New Babylon Religion—The Religious Code for the Megalopolis Life: Common Home-Common Rules

The megalopolis is a unique system that offers unique opportunities for a person.But in return,this system requires respecting its rules of life,as well as creating and maintaining new social relationships.This is a very complex problem especially for religious sphere,because there are a lot of different religion representatives in megalopolis.Babylon is a symbol of megalopolis.Megalopolis problems can be called Babylon problems.New megalopolis religion(the religious rules)can be called New Babylon religion.In order to explore the religious code(rules)for the megalopolis life,this paper makes an analysis from the following three aspects:the religion problems existing in the megalopolis;the general sources of world religion;and the relationship between religion and modern science.Finally,the conclusion is drawn that the modern life of society in a megalopolis allows individualizing not only educational,but also religious sphere,which will create the necessary feedback effect and help to solve internal conflicts of residents at their initial stage,as well as to create common religious rules for megalopolis—our common home.