Joseph Watts , "Did Fear In Supernatural Punishment Build Complex Societies?"
The concept of a Big God:
- who actively monitors human behaviour and
- punishes immoral actions,
- is a major feature of these religions and
- might explain their success.
It is suggested that belief in supernatural punishment
- for antisocial behaviour,
- especially supernatural punishment by Big Gods,
- makes people more cooperative and,
- historically, helped humans to build large, complex societies.
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https://evolution-institute.org/article/did-fear-in-supernatural-punishment-build-complex-societies/