Do humans have a faith instinct?

[skysidhe]

Originally Posted by glatt

We are probably hardwired for religion. As a social species, it's something that unites our tribe against the neighboring one. It makes us more successful, and more likely to pass our genes down, ensuring the trait is passed on. Natural selection. Sure.

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

People, from the beginning up until relatively recently, lived with nature. In doing so they realized how weak and insignificant humans are, compared to many other animals and certainly to the natural forces of nature.

In regards to the original post I think these two answers answer it for me pretty closely except for the hard wired part. I'd say tradition and culture pressed upon and passed down.

Do all people who live in rural areas think spiritually when they view awe inspiring nature? or feel feeble then grasp out? or are more inclined to follow a small societies religious groups because being an outsider is harder to do in rural areas rather than in large cities?

We must not be too hardwired for it if when leaving a geographic location or group we can just as easily leave our faith.

My family was not religious when I was a kid but I always thought the world was a beautiful thing. I still think the world is beautiful but it doesn't marry well with religiosity which should not be confused with spirituality.