1. Download and read the introductory remarks for lecture 1. 
2. Download and take the self-assessment. (optional)
3. Watch the first 21 minutes of Dr. Robert Sapolsky's lecture, the rest is optional.
4. Download and review the discussion questions.

Welcome to each of you as you embark on this transformative journey as part of the inaugural class of SaviorSelf. I am thrilled to have you join our community.

It is an honor to introduce our first guest lecturer, Dr. Robert Sapolsky, who will guide us through the first leg of our intellectual voyage. Dr. Sapolsky is a distinguished scholar and renowned neuroscientist, and he will lead us in exploring the captivating topic of "Understanding the Biological Underpinnings of Religion."

He’s actually in the middle of a lecture series on behavioral biology.

He does talk fast, but you don’t need to memorize all of this.

This subject is indeed a thought-provoking exploration that invites us to delve into the intricate connections between our biological makeup and the profound tapestry of religious beliefs. Dr. Sapolsky's expertise will shed light on the ways in which our brains and bodies shape our spiritual experiences, providing a unique perspective that encourages us to contemplate the intersection of science and faith.

Welcome to SaviorSelf.

When exploring the idea that God's plan for Kingdom expansion starts with understanding behavioral biology and the biological underpinnings of religious behavior, one is delving into the intersection of theology, spirituality, and the scientific study of human behavior. Here are several ways to approach this connection:

1. **Innate Religious Tendencies:**
From a biological perspective, some researchers argue that humans may have innate cognitive predispositions that make them receptive to religious ideas and practices. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that certain cognitive mechanisms, such as agency detection and pattern recognition, may have evolved to facilitate social cohesion and cooperation. These cognitive traits could contribute to the development of religious beliefs and practices, aligning with the idea that God's plan includes the use of these inherent tendencies for Kingdom expansion.

2. **Social Bonds and Cooperation:**
Behavioral biology highlights the importance of social bonds and cooperation for the survival and success of social species, including humans. Many religious practices involve communal rituals and shared beliefs, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. From a theological perspective, this social aspect of human behavior may align with the idea that God's plan involves the formation of communities that work together for a common purpose, including the expansion of the Kingdom.

3. **Moral and Ethical Foundations:**
Behavioral biology and neuroscience research suggest that humans have evolved moral and ethical reasoning capacities. The development of moral systems, often intertwined with religious teachings, may be seen as a way to guide human behavior toward values that support social harmony. Understanding the biological basis of moral reasoning can contribute to the interpretation that God's plan includes the establishment of ethical principles for Kingdom expansion.

4. **Seeking Meaning and Purpose:**
Behavioral biology can explore the human inclination to seek meaning and purpose in life. From a theological standpoint, the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and a deeper understanding of existence may be considered part of God's plan. The biological drive to seek meaning could be viewed as a mechanism through which individuals are drawn to religious beliefs and practices, contributing to the expansion of the Kingdom.

5. **Adaptation and Resilience:**
The study of behavioral biology includes the examination of how organisms adapt to their environments. From a religious perspective, the ability of individuals and communities to adapt and find spiritual resilience in the face of challenges may be seen as part of God's plan for Kingdom expansion. Understanding the biological basis of adaptive behaviors can complement this theological interpretation.

It's essential to recognize that these connections between behavioral biology and religious behavior are subject to interpretation and may vary among individuals and religious traditions. Some may find these ideas enriching, while others may prefer to keep theological and scientific perspectives distinct. The exploration of these intersections underscores the complexity of the relationship between faith, biology, and the understanding of God's plan.

Listen for these key points:

No such thing as a bad gene.

Some diseases have beneficial side-effects.

A team of psychiatrists spent a decade in Denmark interviewing tens of thousands of family members of schizophrenics. They talked to more family members of schizophrenics than any other group in history. They found at a higher than anticipated rate a personality phenomena.

Schizotypalism – a mild genetic version of Schizophrenia.

Meta-magical thinking – someone who believes in strange things. They are really into science fiction and fantasy. 

What does schizotypalism look like in non-traditional western societies? Shaman.

All human cultures have had some meta-magical thinkers around and they are all but peripheralized, they are some of the most respected and cherished members of our society and they pass their genes just fine.