Why Do People Believe What They Do
About God, Religion and Philosophy?


Bill Hettler, MD

Presented Tuesday, July 17th, 2003 at the
28th Annual National Wellness Conference

 
This session will explore a variety of theories as to the origins of religious/spiritual/philosophical beliefs. Examples of ancient as well as modern beliefs will be discussed. Discussion will include the principle of separation of church and state.

Who believes what?

Religions of the World

Participants will be able:

 

 
1. To be able to identify three theories as to the evolution of supernatural beliefs.

The Biology of Belief: How Our Biology Biases Our Beliefs and Perceptions

Belief in evidence and the immorality of religion THE ORIGIN OF SUPERNATURAL EXPLANATIONS THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION
 
Buddhism: An Introduction Origin of Religion The Origin of Supernatural Things

2. To be able to identify arguments for and against the existence of God.

A Refutation of Religion "I not want anybody to kill anyone", says GOD FreeThought ZONE
Christian Belief in a Skeptical World Definitions 10 Reasons To Believe

3. To be able to identify examples of faith based research related to wellness and health care interventions.

Prevention Works! ETHICS OF COMPLEMENTARY AND FAITH-BASED HEALING Religion and ethics
Emory University Receives $1.5 Million to Support Faith-Based Community Health Programs Across Country prayer has a positive effect The Center for Faith-Based & Community Initiatives

4. To be able to identify objectives of the secular humanism movement.
Council for Secular Humanism Belief-O-Matic What Secular Humanists Believe
The Secular Web Secular Humanism - Excluding God from Schools & Society What is Secular Humanism?

Freedom from Religion Foundation