Research shows a positive correlation between a belief in God and the evolution of human societies. Those societies that flourished all had a belief in God. Those that did not have a strong belief in God did not flourish.

Some research goes so far as to say that there is evidence that a gene exists in the brain which predisposes humans to believe in God.

These studies do not attempt to prove that God exists, only that a belief in God shows up as humans and their groups have evolved over thousands of years.

If this is true, then those who worry about the world becoming godless need not worry. According to one possible interpretation of the research, non-believers fade over time, leaving believers in control.

Things Could Change

On the other hand, we could be evolving away from God, as social networks begin to show us what the vast majority of humanity chats about every hour of every second of the day. By and large, humans chat about little stuff: food, weight, health, family, friends, weekends, gardens, camping, personal appearance, bargains, etc.

Compared to online social network chatter, talk of God occupies less than one tenth of one percent of all conversations which takes place. If someone came here from another planet they would be unable to determine, by everyday conversation, that humans had any notion or concept of God. (That is, if extra terrestrials were to use social networks like Facebook as their reference point.)

But, religionists shouldn't be too concerned. Sports talk takes up less than one percent of online chat. And chit chat about politicians scores lower than God or sports.

To repeat, humans talk about everyday small stuff.

My suspicions

Before I read this research, I had a suspicion this might be the case.

For example, I've been traveling on planes for close to fifty years.

Over that time I've worked my way up from coach to business class to first class. In all that time, well over two million miles of travel, I've noticed no more than five or six times where people were actually reading the Bible or the Book of Mormon or the Koran.

On the other hand, people are forever reading novels, watching movies on their computers, and reading specialty magazines.

Reconciliation

How does one reconcile the fact that most people believe in God, but don't read about God? Instead, the vast majority of people on the planet talk incessantly about everything else but God.

My hunch is that most people believe in God, they simply have no need to constantly talk or read about God.

By contrast, people do have a need to talk about everyday things. They need to talk about one another, about their lawns, gardens, groceries, health, etc.

If you want to check this out for yourself (and you have a Facebook account), randomly go through the entries. People write and read about the joys of everyday living. And they are forever sharing photos of themselves on vacations, at restaurants, and at gatherings of all types.

Implications For a Global God

I am constantly thinking about what a world governed by globalism will look like.

I don't think a new global God will emerge. Rather, I think billions of people will unite the world with small talk. The world's inhabitants will be laced together with chatter about everyday issues.

However, if you believe the research, you might rightfully conclude the global village will eventually fade because it has no dominant deity guiding it. On the other hand, one might conclude the old model of local communities with local deities is fading in favor of a chatty world, united by everyday conversation.

Or a meaningful synthesis might evolve. For example, there is no evidence that Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Jehovah, etc. will disappear.

However, traditional religious organizations may shrink. Research shows that is indeed happening. But, people's simple belief in God probably will not.

Evidence is also mounting that the unifying power of simple global communication will continue to grow. We will talk, chat and converse on a global scale.

Most of all, our everyday conversation will be what unites us.

Read: My Personal Goals