Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved And Why it Endures episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 20, 2026 · 27 MIN

Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved And Why it Endures

from The Author Archive Podcast · host David Freeman

The war that is spreading across the Middle East has a religious dimension. American aggression is supported by evangelical Christians, Iran is an Islamic state and Israel has its own Jewish deity. Donald Trump seems to waver been god and allah. None of the gods seem to be seekers for peace. All seek vengeance and revenge.  In early 2025 a million Hindus tried to bathe in a river at the same time. Why would anyone think this would be a good idea. Robin Dunbar is Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford. From his academic standpoint he charts the evolution of religion in all its many guises and forms. Does the professor's analysis explain the enduring but shrinking appeal of non logical beliefs?

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 20, 2026

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Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved And Why it Endures

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