Dr Raghav Gadgil
Why do some people feel naturally drawn to belief in a higher power, while others find comfort in scepticism or atheism? Most of us sit somewhere in between—holding onto certain traditions, while questioning others.
The reasons for these differences are not simple. Research suggests our leanings toward faith or doubt stem from an intricate mix of brain functions, personal experiences, and the cultural narratives we grow up with.
Take, for example, the idea of sin. Spiritual teacher Osho observes that when mistakes are labelled as sins, they carry a heavier burden, often instilling guilt. Many religious rituals are built around seeking redemption for these “sins”, relying on the belief that a divine power is watching over us. But how, one might ask, can such a being monitor billions of people all at once? The answer is simple: “Because it’s God”.
This framework of sin and forgiveness divides human actions into “good” and “bad,” encouraging rituals to stay in divine favour. Without this concept, the elaborate cycles of repentance and devotion might look very different — or perhaps not exist at all.
Human beings are natural pattern seekers. Evolution has fine-tuned our brains to find order in chaos, an ability that once helped our ancestors survive. Today, this tendency often shapes how we interpret the world around us.
Historian Yuval Noah Harari argues that much of what defines human civilization—names, addresses, cities, even corporations—exists only in our shared imagination. Similarly, ancient astronomers connected stars into constellations, such as Scorpius, by imagining the shape of a scorpion. In the same way, people today might see divine figures like Ganesha in a cloud or a tree stump.
These stories were also how ancient people made sense of the inexplicable. Events like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes became tied to gods and supernatural forces. These narratives filled gaps in understanding and provided comfort amidst uncertainty—a role that religion often continues to play today.
The human brain, with its remarkable capacity for storytelling, is both a creator and a captive of its narratives. Weaving tales has long been central to human communication, helping us coordinate and make sense of life. Scientists still debate how storytelling became so intrinsic to our species, but its impact is undeniable.
The human quest for meaning is timeless. Questions like “Why are we here?” or “What happens after death?” have occupied minds for centuries. While science offers explanations about the mechanics of life and death, it stops short of addressing life’s deeper purpose.
That’s where philosophy and spirituality step in, providing frameworks that attempt to answer these existential mysteries. In this pursuit of a meaningful afterlife, many sacrifice parts of their present, hoping to secure something greater in the beyond.
For the religious, faith offers a lens to make sense of the world. Everyday events take on added significance, guided by the belief in divine intention.
Sceptics, on the other hand, rely on reason and evidence, viewing such events through a lens of logic. Studies using neuroimaging reveal that religious thought activates areas of the brain tied to social cognition, suggesting that faith is rooted in the same mechanisms that help us relate to others.
Similarly, upbringing plays a crucial role—someone raised in a deeply religious community is more likely to believe in a higher power, while a secular environment may encourage a more sceptical outlook.
Belief systems are also shaped by thinking styles. Those who trust their instincts or rely on gut feelings often embrace ideas without over-analysing them, aligning with religious traditions that value shared meaning over scrutiny. This intuitive approach involves the brain’s ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
On the other hand, analytical thinkers—those who rely on logic and evidence—tend to question, seek proof, and gravitate toward secular explanations.
Ultimately, beliefs and scepticism are reflections of the human mind’s quest to navigate life’s most profound questions—a journey that reveals our adaptability and resilience in the face of the unknown.