In a recent piece for the online magazine Salon, author Jared Diamond explores why supernatural beliefs remain central to religion, even in modern societies like the UK. Diamond, known for his book Guns, Germs and Steel, argues that such beliefs are irrational yet emotionally satisfying, which explains their endurance.
Diamond draws parallels between different religious traditions, comparing the Hindu belief in a monkey god who can travel vast distances in a single somersault with the Catholic doctrine of the virgin birth and the ascension of Jesus to heaven. He suggests that these supernatural elements serve a key purpose: they require believers to demonstrate commitment by accepting ideas that defy everyday experience.
According to Diamond, this commitment acts as a social glue. Someone who has publicly professed belief in a miracle, such as a virgin birth, for decades is less likely to abandon their faith during difficult times. The irrational nature of these beliefs makes them a powerful test of loyalty.
Diamond further argues that supernatural beings are often projections of human desires for power and control. Gods possess superior abilities, reflecting our own fantasies of being stronger, faster, or more capable. This wish-fulfilment makes religious beliefs emotionally plausible, even if they are not logically sound.
Thus, Diamond concludes, supernatural beliefs persist because they are irrational but emotionally compelling. They provide comfort and a sense of meaning, which helps explain why they remain a feature of modern religious practice in the UK and beyond.
