The Great Score Keeper

As I've hypothesized before, it is understandable that, as beings in which every cell is programmed for survival, it only makes sense that we humans have devised a scenario in which we survive eternally. Religion gives us this comfort. As sentient beings we are cursed with a tacit knowledge of mortality. A deity or deities release us from an imminent end, promoting a myopic view of the world. "God cares about me." Few ponder a world without themselves.

But, from an evolutionary viewpoint, a cultural pattern is apparent. God as the great score keeper. Our brains evolved so efficiently in response to reciprocal altruism, the key ingredient to every culture on Earth. You do for me and I for you. Alas, the brain had to keep a running tally, and, as populations grew, devise tracking systems and elaborate language to keep up.

A byproduct of altruism is the need to be rewarded for participating. This is where God steps in. It comforts people to know a supreme being is keeping score. Reward is eternal. It makes current injustices more palatable knowing the culprit will only benefit temporarily, as God will no doubt judge the offender in the end.

Benjamin Franklin once remarked religion is a wonderful tool for controlling people. Through the ages we've had thousands of Gods, all sworn to pass judgment on those who cheat the system. And who knows, maybe it is a necessary component of society, as fear of eternal damnation seems to work.