Gregory S. Paul, an independent scholar who made a name for himself in secularist circles with a 2005 Journal of Religion and Society article about correlations between religion and social health, has a new article out in the journal Evolutionary Psychology that draws links between “popular religion” and “dysfunctional psychosocial conditions” (pdf). Says the abstract:
Utilizing 25 indicators, the uniquely extensive Successful Societies Scale reveals that population diversity and immigration correlate weakly with 1st world socioeconomic conditions, and high levels of income disparity, popular religiosity as measured by differing levels of belief and activity, and rejection of evolutionary science correlate strongly negatively with improving conditions. The historically unprecedented socioeconomic security that results from low levels of progressive government policies appear to suppress popular religiosity and creationist opinion, conservative religious ideology apparently contributes to societal dysfunction, and religious prosociality and charity are less effective at improving societal conditions than are secular government programs.
Paul’s 2005 article drew harsh criticism as well as considerable publicity; the impact of this one remains to be seen. Continue reading (pdf) at Evolutionary Psychology.