God Concept - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* The Fractal Universe God Concept */

2025-12-08T21:26:04Z

The Fractal Universe God Concept

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	== The Fractal Universe God Concept ==		== The Fractal Universe God Concept ==
	[[File:Mandelbrot Fractal Zoom.gif\|\|[[God]] is infinite.]]		[[File:Mandelbrot Fractal Zoom.gif\|right\|[[God]] is infinite.]]
	[[metaculture]] uses [[pantheism]] and the [[fractal]] organizational symmetry of the [[universe]] as a [[scientific]] [[metaphor]] for the [[god]] concept. The [[universe]] is [[self-organizing]], it has [[self-similar]] [[patterns]] that repeat themselves from the subatomic level all the way to [[wikipedia:Galaxy_cluster\|supergalaxies]], it conforms to the rules of [[logic]], it's infinitely [[complex]] but based on a few [[Generating equation\|simple rules]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_interaction]		[[metaculture]] uses [[pantheism]] and the [[fractal]] organizational symmetry of the [[universe]] as a [[scientific]] [[metaphor]] for the [[god]] concept. The [[universe]] is [[self-organizing]], it has [[self-similar]] [[patterns]] that repeat themselves from the subatomic level all the way to [[wikipedia:Galaxy_cluster\|supergalaxies]], it conforms to the rules of [[logic]], it's infinitely [[complex]] but based on a few [[Generating equation\|simple rules]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_interaction]

Fractalguy: /* The Fractal Universe God Concept */

2025-12-08T21:25:53Z

The Fractal Universe God Concept

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 8 December 2025
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	== The Fractal Universe God Concept ==		== The Fractal Universe God Concept ==
	[[File:Mandelbrot Fractal Zoom.gif\|~~thumb~~\|[[God]] is infinite.]]		[[File:Mandelbrot Fractal Zoom.gif\|\|[[God]] is infinite.]]
	[[metaculture]] uses [[pantheism]] and the [[fractal]] organizational symmetry of the [[universe]] as a [[scientific]] [[metaphor]] for the [[god]] concept. The [[universe]] is [[self-organizing]], it has [[self-similar]] [[patterns]] that repeat themselves from the subatomic level all the way to [[wikipedia:Galaxy_cluster\|supergalaxies]], it conforms to the rules of [[logic]], it's infinitely [[complex]] but based on a few [[Generating equation\|simple rules]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_interaction]		[[metaculture]] uses [[pantheism]] and the [[fractal]] organizational symmetry of the [[universe]] as a [[scientific]] [[metaphor]] for the [[god]] concept. The [[universe]] is [[self-organizing]], it has [[self-similar]] [[patterns]] that repeat themselves from the subatomic level all the way to [[wikipedia:Galaxy_cluster\|supergalaxies]], it conforms to the rules of [[logic]], it's infinitely [[complex]] but based on a few [[Generating equation\|simple rules]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_interaction]

Fractalguy: /* Conclusion */

2025-07-12T12:53:14Z

Conclusion

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	It generalizes the concepts of [[science]], the [[universe]], [[morality]] and [[spirituality]] into a single [[working]] theory, allowing the expansion of the [[god]] concept into further reaches of the [[brain]] and increasing its effectiveness.		It generalizes the concepts of [[science]], the [[universe]], [[morality]] and [[spirituality]] into a single [[working]] theory, allowing the expansion of the [[god]] concept into further reaches of the [[brain]] and increasing its effectiveness.

	This hypothesis is being proposed based on conclusions drawn from a wide range of [[scientific]] and [[spiritual]] [[literature]]~~, rather than any specific established theory~~. It is definitely subject to confirmation through experiment. If for some [[reason]] [[future]] [[evidence]] disproves this, or provides a better framework for understanding the [[mental health]] effects of belief in [[god]], then this page can be edited.		This hypothesis is being proposed based on conclusions drawn from a wide range of [[scientific]] and [[spiritual]] [[literature]]. [https://medium.com/philosophytoday/william-james-and-the-varieties-of-religious-experience-a-spiritual-solution-for-the-sick-souls-05d6f8a5e412 William James][https://www.thoughtsofgod.com/william-james-lectures-vi-and-vii-the-sick-soul/] and [https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2005/12/is-god-an-accident/304425/ Paul Bloom][https://conversationswithtyler.com/episodes/paul-bloom/] have proposed similar theories of omnibenevolence. It is definitely subject to confirmation through experiment, and [[Primal World Beliefs]] theory has provided a framework for this by confirming the [[psychological]] benefits of belief in [[Optimism\|universal goodness]]. This hypothesis simply proposes that [[belief]] in an omnibenevolent [[god]] helps the "Good World Belief" [[self-organize]] in the [[brain]]. If for some [[reason]] [[future]] [[evidence]] disproves this, or provides a better framework for understanding the [[mental health]] effects of belief in [[god]], then this page can be edited.

	== What if God Was One of Us? ==		== What if God Was One of Us? ==

Fractalguy: /* Other Modern God Concepts */

2025-07-12T12:27:35Z

Other Modern God Concepts

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	== Other Modern God Concepts ==		== Other Modern God Concepts ==
	As our [[society]] becomes more diverse and we no longer grow up knowing only people who [[believe]] in the same [[religion]], and [[science]] seems to have an explanation for everything that once was [[god]]'s domain, it becomes increasingly difficult to construct a proper god concept based on [[Tradition\|traditional]] [[religion]] and [[scripture]]. Since our [[brain]] insists upon forming connections in order to try to make sense out of the world, if it is not given an accurate model it will form an inaccurate one.[[File:Conspiracy-theory-qanon-map-everything-is-connected-god-concept.jpeg\|thumb\|The desire to form the god concept is strong. Our [[brains]] naturally look for connections and associations. If the right pattern cannot be found, the wrong one will be (see [[wikipedia:Apophenia\|Apophenia]]). Here is a diagram of a Qanon-based god concept.]]		As our [[society]] becomes more diverse and we no longer grow up knowing only people who [[believe]] in the same [[religion]], and [[science]] seems to have an explanation for everything that once was [[god]]'s domain, it becomes increasingly difficult to construct a proper god concept based on [[Tradition\|traditional]] [[religion]] and [[scripture]]. Since our [[brain]] insists upon forming connections in order to try to make sense out of the world, if it is not given an accurate model it will form an inaccurate one.[[File:Conspiracy-theory-qanon-map-everything-is-connected-god-concept.jpeg\|thumb\|The desire to form the god concept is strong. Our [[brains]] naturally look for connections and associations. If the right pattern cannot be found, the wrong one will be (see [[wikipedia:Apophenia\|Apophenia]]). Here is a diagram of a [[wikipedia:QAnon\|Qanon]]-based god concept.]]
	=== Conspiracy Theories ===		=== Conspiracy Theories ===
	The desire to connect all of the [[randomness]] of the world and all the forces that seem to be arrayed against our personal [[fulfillment]] as humans leads many down the rabbit hole of [[conspiracy theories]]. [[Social media]] [[algorithms]] have not helped this either.		The desire to connect all of the [[randomness]] of the world and all the forces that seem to be arrayed against our personal [[fulfillment]] as humans leads many down the rabbit hole of [[conspiracy theories]]. [[Social media]] [[algorithms]] have not helped this either.

Fractalguy: /* Making Sure God is Good */

2025-07-12T12:24:47Z

Making Sure God is Good

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	Living without a [[god]] concept isn't always [[hell]], but [[life]] tends to be harder without your automatic [[happiness]] switch turned on.		Living without a [[god]] concept isn't always [[hell]], but [[life]] tends to be harder without your automatic [[happiness]] switch turned on.

	[[Science]] says pick a [[happy]] god if you want to be a [[happy]] human.		[[Science]] says pick a [[happy]] [[god]] if you want to be a [[happy]] human. Once again, see [[Primal World Beliefs]] for the research that backs this up, and a framework for identifying the aspects of [[Optimism\|universal goodness]] we should focus on.

	== From Concept to Reflex ==		== From Concept to Reflex ==

Fractalguy: /* Making Sure God is Good */

2025-07-12T12:20:51Z

Making Sure God is Good

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	Honing your [[optimism]] requires [[mindfulness]]. The believer must tell themselves that god is [[good]] over and over [[like]] a [[wikipedia:Mantra\|mantra]] in order to reinforce the link between everything in the [[universe]] and those [[happy]] [[brain]] centers.		Honing your [[optimism]] requires [[mindfulness]]. The believer must tell themselves that god is [[good]] over and over [[like]] a [[wikipedia:Mantra\|mantra]] in order to reinforce the link between everything in the [[universe]] and those [[happy]] [[brain]] centers.

	This is built into many traditional [[rituals]], prayers, and ~~mediations~~. For example in Arabic [[culture]], ''[[wikipedia:Allahu_Akbar_(disambiguation)\|Allahu Akbar]]'' ("god is the greatest") is used throughout everyday conversation. These can be referred to as "[[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]] [[wikipedia:Mantra\|mantras]]".		This is built into many [[traditional]] [[rituals]], prayers, and [[Meditation\|meditations]]. For example in Arabic [[culture]], ''[[wikipedia:Allahu_Akbar_(disambiguation)\|Allahu Akbar]]'' ("god is the greatest") is used throughout everyday conversation. These can be referred to as "[[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]] [[wikipedia:Mantra\|mantras]]".

	Doing this eventually turns the [[brain]] into an automatic generator of [[optimism]] and [[happiness]]. Adopting a god concept and associating it all the good things we seek in [[life]] is the greatest act of [[selfishness]] one can make, for it is the path to the greatest amount of joy [[life]] has to offer.		Doing this eventually turns the [[brain]] into an automatic generator of [[optimism]] and [[happiness]]. Adopting a god concept and associating it all the good things we seek in [[life]] is the greatest act of [[selfishness]] one can make, for it is the path to the greatest amount of joy [[life]] has to offer.

Fractalguy: /* Benefits to the Believer */

2025-07-12T12:18:18Z

Benefits to the Believer

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	Memory works by [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|association]]. All memories are encoded through their [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|associations]] with earlier memories and ideas. The [[god]] concept assists with memory and understanding by creating a universal pegboard on which to hang new [[information]]. When you have an [[Laws of physics\|accurate model]] of how the [[universe]] is ordered, there are fewer exceptions to the pattern that need to be remembered.		Memory works by [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|association]]. All memories are encoded through their [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|associations]] with earlier memories and ideas. The [[god]] concept assists with memory and understanding by creating a universal pegboard on which to hang new [[information]]. When you have an [[Laws of physics\|accurate model]] of how the [[universe]] is ordered, there are fewer exceptions to the pattern that need to be remembered.

	There are many others. This page focuses on the benefits of [[universal]] goodness and [[optimism]] that are cultivated by the [[belief]] in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]].		There are many others. This page focuses on the benefits of [[universal]] goodness and [[optimism]] that are cultivated by the [[belief]] in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]].

			The [[Primal World Beliefs]] page describes the theory developed by the UPenn Positive Psychology team that demonstrates the many benefits that a "good world belief" provides.

	== The Form Matters Less Than The Function ==		== The Form Matters Less Than The Function ==

Fractalguy: /* Benefits to the Believer */

2025-07-12T12:11:33Z

Benefits to the Believer

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	Things that are painful or arbitrary can be justified as being part of "god's plan", helping to alleviate questions of "why?" that have no answer and can lead the [[mind]] into spirals of depression. [[God]] is the ultimate [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating cliché]], and for questions that have no answer this can be a valuable [[psychological]] tool to avoid unpleasant [[feedback loops]]. It's "[[wikipedia:Shit_happens\|shit happens]]" on steroids!		Things that are painful or arbitrary can be justified as being part of "god's plan", helping to alleviate questions of "why?" that have no answer and can lead the [[mind]] into spirals of depression. [[God]] is the ultimate [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating cliché]], and for questions that have no answer this can be a valuable [[psychological]] tool to avoid unpleasant [[feedback loops]]. It's "[[wikipedia:Shit_happens\|shit happens]]" on steroids!

	Memory works by [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|association]]. All memories are encoded through their [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|associations]] with earlier memories and ideas. The [[god]] concept assists with memory and understanding by creating a universal pegboard on which to hang new information. When you have an accurate model of how the [[universe]] is ordered, there are fewer exceptions to the pattern that need to be remembered.		Memory works by [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|association]]. All memories are encoded through their [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|associations]] with earlier memories and ideas. The [[god]] concept assists with memory and understanding by creating a universal pegboard on which to hang new [[information]]. When you have an [[Laws of physics\|accurate model]] of how the [[universe]] is ordered, there are fewer exceptions to the pattern that need to be remembered.

	There are many others. This page focuses on the benefits of [[universal]] goodness and [[optimism]] that are cultivated by the [[belief]] in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]].		There are many others. This page focuses on the benefits of [[universal]] goodness and [[optimism]] that are cultivated by the [[belief]] in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]].

Fractalguy at 12:08, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T12:08:28Z

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	[[File:Spiral_Mind.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The [[Fractal]] [[Mind]]]]		[[File:Spiral_Mind.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The [[Fractal]] [[Mind]]]]

	Your [[belief system]] creates a [[mental]] model of the [[Universe\|world]] that forms the lens through which your [[life]] is viewed. This has [[traditionally]] been [[Self-organization\|organized]] around the concept of a [[supernatural]] "[[god]]", but there are many [[secular]] forms it can take.		Your [[belief system]] creates a [[mental]] model of the [[Universe\|world]] that forms the lens through which your [[life]] is viewed. This has [[traditionally]] been [[Self-organization\|organized]] around the concept of a [[supernatural]] "[[god]]", but there are many [[secular]] forms it can take.<blockquote>''"To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement."'' -[[wikipedia:Augustine_of_Hippo\|Saint Augustine]]</blockquote>The [[emotions]] and [[morality]] you associate with your [[god]] [[concept]] are single the biggest influence on how you experience [[consciousness]]. It colors your experience of the present, the [[future]], and even your memories. These [[universal]] [[associations]] form your [[Primal World Beliefs]].

	The [[emotions]] and [[morality]] you associate with your [[god]] concept are single the biggest influence on how you experience [[consciousness]]. It colors your experience of the present, the [[future]], and even your memories.

	== Our Apophenia Shaped Hole ==		== Our Apophenia Shaped Hole ==

Fractalguy: /* Our Apophenia Shaped Hole */

2025-07-12T12:00:18Z

Our Apophenia Shaped Hole

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	It originates with [[wikipedia:Blaise_Pascal\|Blaise Pascal]]'s defense of Christianity in ''[[wikipedia:Pensées\|Pensées]]''.[https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate]<blockquote>''“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”''</blockquote>Assuming this phenomenon is [[psychological]] and not [[supernatural]], what does it truly mean to fill the [[god]]-shaped hole? To answer this question we need to look at how the concept of [[god]] is constructed by the [[mind]].		It originates with [[wikipedia:Blaise_Pascal\|Blaise Pascal]]'s defense of Christianity in ''[[wikipedia:Pensées\|Pensées]]''.[https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate]<blockquote>''“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”''</blockquote>Assuming this phenomenon is [[psychological]] and not [[supernatural]], what does it truly mean to fill the [[god]]-shaped hole? To answer this question we need to look at how the concept of [[god]] is constructed by the [[mind]].

	[[wikipedia:Apophenia\|Apophenia]] is the name for our [[natural]] tendency to look for [[meaningful]] [[connections]] between unrelated things. It is a side-effect of how the [[brain]] uses [[associations]] to store [[information]], generalize knowledge, and perform [[reasoning]]. Apophenia's ultimate [[goal]] is to create a [[metanarrative of everything]] that can connect all of [[reality]] to a single [[concept]] or [[Metanarrative\|story]] that makes sense of [[existence]]. [[Religion]] provides the [[brain]] with a read-made [[metanarrative]] that explains [[creation]], provides [[meaning]], and relates to everything in the [[universe]] using the concept of an [[wikipedia:Omnipresence\|omnipresent]] [[god]]. This gives the apophenic urge a socially acceptable outlet and [[scriptural]] roadmap, so that pursing these connections ends up deepening your [[moral]] [[convictions]] and reinforcing pro-social behaviors.		[[wikipedia:Apophenia\|Apophenia]] is the name for our [[natural]] tendency to look for [[meaningful]] [[connections]] between unrelated things. It is a side-effect of how the [[brain]] uses [[associations]] to store [[information]], generalize knowledge, and perform [[reasoning]]. Apophenia's ultimate [[goal]] is to create a [[metanarrative of everything]] that can connect all of [[reality]] to a single [[concept]] or [[Metanarrative\|story]] that makes sense of [[existence]]. [[Religion]] provides the [[brain]] with a read-made [[metanarrative]] that explains [[creation]], provides [[meaning]], and relates to everything in the [[universe]] using the [[concept]] of an [[wikipedia:Omnipresence\|omnipresent]] [[god]]. This gives the apophenic urge a socially acceptable outlet and [[scriptural]] roadmap, so that pursing these [[connections]] ends up deepening your [[moral]] [[convictions]] and reinforcing pro-social behaviors.

	What happens when we give up the roadmap of [[religion]]? [[Society]] is in the process of finding out. The apophenia instinct is still strong, but now it is no longer constrained by [[Tradition\|convention]] or [[Ethics\|conviction]]. [[Science]] doesn't really provide a roadmap for connecting all of its [[ideas]] in a way that makes sense to most people. People will continue to make connections, and the master [[metanarrative]] at the heart of their [[belief system]] is called the "god concept." The [[god]] concept takes many forms today, since so many are creating theirs with creative apophenia instead of a tried and [[true]] roadmap. Not all of these gods are great.		What happens when we give up the roadmap of [[religion]]? [[Society]] is in the process of finding out. The apophenia instinct is still strong, but now it is no longer constrained by [[Tradition\|convention]] or [[Ethics\|conviction]]. [[Science]] doesn't really provide a roadmap for connecting all of its [[ideas]] in a way that makes sense to most people. People will continue to make connections, and the master [[metanarrative]] at the heart of their [[belief system]] is called the "god concept." The [[god]] concept takes many forms today, since so many are creating theirs with creative apophenia instead of a tried and [[true]] roadmap. Not all of these gods are great.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 12 July 2025
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	Things that are painful or arbitrary can be justified as being part of "god's plan", helping to alleviate questions of "why?" that have no answer and can lead the [[mind]] into spirals of depression. [[God]] is the ultimate [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating cliché]], and for questions that have no answer this can be a valuable [[psychological]] tool to avoid unpleasant [[feedback loops]]. It's "[[wikipedia:Shit_happens\|shit happens]]" on steroids!		Things that are painful or arbitrary can be justified as being part of "god's plan", helping to alleviate questions of "why?" that have no answer and can lead the [[mind]] into spirals of depression. [[God]] is the ultimate [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating cliché]], and for questions that have no answer this can be a valuable [[psychological]] tool to avoid unpleasant [[feedback loops]]. It's "[[wikipedia:Shit_happens\|shit happens]]" on steroids!

	Memory works by [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|association]]. All memories are encoded through their [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|associations]] with earlier memories and ideas. The [[god]] concept assists with memory and understanding by creating a universal pegboard on which to hang new information. When you have an accurate model of how the [[universe]] is ordered, there are fewer exceptions to the pattern that need to be remembered.		Memory works by [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|association]]. All memories are encoded through their [[wikipedia:Association_(psychology)\|associations]] with earlier memories and ideas. The [[god]] concept assists with memory and understanding by creating a universal pegboard on which to hang new [[information]]. When you have an [[Laws of physics\|accurate model]] of how the [[universe]] is ordered, there are fewer exceptions to the pattern that need to be remembered.

	There are many others. This page focuses on the benefits of [[universal]] goodness and [[optimism]] that are cultivated by the [[belief]] in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]].		There are many others. This page focuses on the benefits of [[universal]] goodness and [[optimism]] that are cultivated by the [[belief]] in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 12 July 2025
Line 10:		Line 10:
	It originates with [[wikipedia:Blaise_Pascal\|Blaise Pascal]]'s defense of Christianity in ''[[wikipedia:Pensées\|Pensées]]''.[https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate]<blockquote>''“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”''</blockquote>Assuming this phenomenon is [[psychological]] and not [[supernatural]], what does it truly mean to fill the [[god]]-shaped hole? To answer this question we need to look at how the concept of [[god]] is constructed by the [[mind]].		It originates with [[wikipedia:Blaise_Pascal\|Blaise Pascal]]'s defense of Christianity in ''[[wikipedia:Pensées\|Pensées]]''.[https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate]<blockquote>''“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”''</blockquote>Assuming this phenomenon is [[psychological]] and not [[supernatural]], what does it truly mean to fill the [[god]]-shaped hole? To answer this question we need to look at how the concept of [[god]] is constructed by the [[mind]].

	[[wikipedia:Apophenia\|Apophenia]] is the name for our [[natural]] tendency to look for [[meaningful]] [[connections]] between unrelated things. It is a side-effect of how the [[brain]] uses [[associations]] to store [[information]], generalize knowledge, and perform [[reasoning]]. Apophenia's ultimate [[goal]] is to create a [[metanarrative of everything]] that can connect all of [[reality]] to a single [[concept]] or [[Metanarrative\|story]] that makes sense of [[existence]]. [[Religion]] provides the [[brain]] with a read-made [[metanarrative]] that explains [[creation]], provides [[meaning]], and relates to everything in the [[universe]] using the concept of an [[wikipedia:Omnipresence\|omnipresent]] [[god]]. This gives the apophenic urge a socially acceptable outlet and [[scriptural]] roadmap, so that pursing these connections ends up deepening your [[moral]] [[convictions]] and reinforcing pro-social behaviors.		[[wikipedia:Apophenia\|Apophenia]] is the name for our [[natural]] tendency to look for [[meaningful]] [[connections]] between unrelated things. It is a side-effect of how the [[brain]] uses [[associations]] to store [[information]], generalize knowledge, and perform [[reasoning]]. Apophenia's ultimate [[goal]] is to create a [[metanarrative of everything]] that can connect all of [[reality]] to a single [[concept]] or [[Metanarrative\|story]] that makes sense of [[existence]]. [[Religion]] provides the [[brain]] with a read-made [[metanarrative]] that explains [[creation]], provides [[meaning]], and relates to everything in the [[universe]] using the [[concept]] of an [[wikipedia:Omnipresence\|omnipresent]] [[god]]. This gives the apophenic urge a socially acceptable outlet and [[scriptural]] roadmap, so that pursing these [[connections]] ends up deepening your [[moral]] [[convictions]] and reinforcing pro-social behaviors.

	What happens when we give up the roadmap of [[religion]]? [[Society]] is in the process of finding out. The apophenia instinct is still strong, but now it is no longer constrained by [[Tradition\|convention]] or [[Ethics\|conviction]]. [[Science]] doesn't really provide a roadmap for connecting all of its [[ideas]] in a way that makes sense to most people. People will continue to make connections, and the master [[metanarrative]] at the heart of their [[belief system]] is called the "god concept." The [[god]] concept takes many forms today, since so many are creating theirs with creative apophenia instead of a tried and [[true]] roadmap. Not all of these gods are great.		What happens when we give up the roadmap of [[religion]]? [[Society]] is in the process of finding out. The apophenia instinct is still strong, but now it is no longer constrained by [[Tradition\|convention]] or [[Ethics\|conviction]]. [[Science]] doesn't really provide a roadmap for connecting all of its [[ideas]] in a way that makes sense to most people. People will continue to make connections, and the master [[metanarrative]] at the heart of their [[belief system]] is called the "god concept." The [[god]] concept takes many forms today, since so many are creating theirs with creative apophenia instead of a tried and [[true]] roadmap. Not all of these gods are great.