Clash of Science and Religion Stems in Our Brains

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University and Babson College found that the predicament that rises out of using information based on scientific logic or faith to explain certain things goes centuries back.

"When there's a question of faith, from the analytic point of view, it may seem absurd," says study lead author Tony Jack

However, as per researcher's understanding, believing in mystical things is as good as keeping logical thinking on one side and allow people to attain emotional and social awareness.

According to cognitive psychology study, people who have strong spiritual or religious beliefs are less intelligent than others. In fact, some of these people even claim to be less smart, Richard Boyatzis, research team member, said. The researchers validate this relationship in their study. However, it also revealed that faithful people are more social and compassionate.

In line with previous studies, the authors of the current research reveal that the people who think analytically do not readily accept religious beliefs. But according to the research, empathy is far more crucial for a strong spiritual belief system, than critical thinking is for not believing.

The study findings also found that the people who were spiritual are naturally inclined to suppress the part of brain that is used to think critically.

Previous study conducted by Jack, MRI scans reveal that our brain as two neuron groups - one that allows analytical thinking and the other makes people empathize. According to Jack, when the brain experiences stress between these two groups, it overrides realistic view and help people to look deeper into emotional and social trait of a situation. This is the reason why supernatural beliefs have been existent throughout history.

Research says that people who are able to balance their religious and scientific beliefs are intellectually privileged to realize that there is no need for science and religion to have a disagreement.

The study was published in the journal PLOS One on Wednesday.