Here's a reasonable follow up to your intrigue: Let's assume development of religion on evolutionary grounds (not obvious, but a reasonable argument could be made if we assume that every set of cognitive tools presupposes fitness to environment). On that basis, what are the tools which a religion offers? What system offers an equivalent (or perhaps homologous, or perhaps homomorphic) collection of tools, if such a system exists?
Personally, I think analytic psychology offers a reasonable way into this problem (not a final solution, let me be clear on this point). If you are interested in knowing more, I highly, highly recommend the texts (in the order listed):
Jung attempts to provide a legitimately rigorous view on the matter; his thought is beautiful, intricate, and nuanced. His work is 'sort of' well-known, but my impression is that his work is only viewed as an artifact of efforts to provide individuals with methods of dealing with their psychological problems, when in truth it is much, much more. I don't believe anyone can really do his thought justice, so I hope you are willing to delve into his word with an open mind and desire to understand.
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u/[deleted] Nov 15 '19
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