Author Archives: Andrew

He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake. (64) Although the above words are about a supernatural being, that being is not considered … Continue reading →

“In addition to serving as an explanation for the creation of our universe, our world, and ourselves, God became the ultimate enforcer of rules, the final arbiter of moral dilemmas, and the pinnacle object of commitment.” (57) — Michael Shermer … Continue reading →

“Aggression can be triggered during any interaction between two individuals when a conflict of interests is involved: in males competing for mating rights or meat; in females squabbling over food…” (52) – Jane Goodall God is wise. The wisest being … Continue reading →

It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalms 75:7) “The word ‘judge’ is here used in the sense of ‘ruler’ since in early cultures, the chief function of a tribal ruler in peacetime was that … Continue reading →

“Silverback gorillas use pig grunts to stop fights, and dominant chimpanzees routinely pacify the quarrels of subordinates.” (40) – Christopher Boehm Where you find clever, aspiring and ultimately selfish social primates, you will also find episodes of discord and conflict. … Continue reading →

Give up all varieties of religiousness and just surrender unto me; and in return I shall protect you from all sinful reactions. Therefore, you have nothing to fear. (28) Imagine a large family gathered around a table for a holiday … Continue reading →

“Luit [a chimpanzee] proved a wise and mature leader. Under his rule, life was orderly and just.” – Robin Wright (20) “Animals seek not only psychological stability but also social stability.” – Franz de Waal (21) p. 38 Chimpanzees, like … Continue reading →

But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. (Proverbs 6:32-33) “God grant me the strength.” As a greater power watching … Continue reading →

“The ancient Egyptians believed that the stability of the created world had to be carefully preserved through the upholding of their deities–for it was the care and sustenance of the gods and the maintenance of cosmic balance which kept chaos … Continue reading →

My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. (2 Samuel 22:3) “Stable social relationships provide the basic condition that the members of a flock will live in a relatively stress-free environment. To remove a sheep or to introduce … Continue reading →