The book explores the transmission of religious beliefs as cultural information across generations. Harvey Whitehouse presents a testable theory detailing the creation, propagation, and evolution of religions, focusing on two distinct 'modes of religiosity': imagistic and doctrinal. This framework aims to deepen the understanding of how religions adapt and transform within different contexts, highlighting the dynamic nature of belief systems.
Copying rituals has allowed cultural groups to proliferate over time. Rare, traumatic rituals produce strong cohesion in small relational groups, whereas daily/weekly rituals produce cohesion in expandable communities. This study presents a theory of how these two ritual modes have influenced history over thousands of years.
The book explores how our evolved psychological biases—conformism, religiosity, and tribalism—have shaped human behavior throughout history, driving both remarkable advancements and current crises. Renowned anthropologist Harvey Whitehouse delves into diverse cultural contexts, revealing how these biases have led to significant societal transformations while also contributing to today's political polarization and environmental challenges. By understanding our inherited traits, Whitehouse proposes a new approach to address pressing global issues, offering insights into our past and potential future.