EBA: Dr. Sarah Strand on "The Evolution of Religion"

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This month East Bay Atheists features Dr. Sarah Strand speaking on "The Evolution of Religion." The talk examines why religion has been present in human society since the dawn of mankind.

It begins with a review of Charles Darwin, including his upbringing and religious beliefs. His theory of natural selection not only explains genetic evolution, but also clarifies the evolution of ideas, culture, and religion.

Next, she discusses the psychological origins of religion, showing that human brains are built to believe that "agents" are at work in the world. For example, "the sun god smiles on us today" or "the sea god is angry today." The presentation concludes with evidence of how religion has "survived" by expanding and adjusting to changes in culture, a.k.a. it's "environment."

Dr. Strand is a Behavioral Neuroscientist, a Psychology professor at Cal State Sacramento and a triathlete. And her talks are very popular with atheist groups.

Afterwards we will go to dinner at King Dong at 2429 Shattuck Ave at Haste.

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When: Sunday, May 4th at 1:30

Location: Public Meeting Room, Third Floor, Berkeley Public Library, Main Branch, at 2090 Kittredge at Shattuck

BART Access: Less than one block from the downtown Berkeley BART Station.

Parking: All day parking is available for $7 on the weekend at the lot at Allston & Harold Way, a short block from the library.

Information: Larry Hicok, Coordinator: 510-222-7580

Ski Grabowski, Treasurer: 510-652-8350

info@eastbayatheists.org