Authoritarian and benevolent god representations and the two sides of prosociality. (2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnson, Kathryn A.; Cohen, Adam B.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 39(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X15000461
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: The Big Gods model focuses on belief in an authoritarian God as a psychological mechanism that inhibits antisocial behavior and facilitates the formation of tight, cohesive groups. Recent empirical evidence suggests, however, that belief in a benevolent God is more likely to inspire helping and inclusivity. Both kinds of beliefs are necessary to explain the development of large-scale societies.