What Happens When Science Studies Religion

Almost out of sight are those who study theology as if it was simply another discipline like psychology or botany. Such study probably has moved along at least slightly the societal exit from organized religion. Within this field of study are questions about why humans believe. Is there some human trait, perhaps developed during evolution, that pushes many humans to believe in some invisible being or rules of behavior from some source never established to have existed?

Then there is the question somewhat separate from believing, the question of the beliefs themselves. Is there some independent way to establish why humans are drawn to some beliefs and not to others? A recent academic article by an academic theologian speculated on whether the scientific approach to religion might eliminate his entire field of theology.

Certain assumptions underly all of this. We, that is most of us, think more science and/or systematic inquiry is better than less. There is a section of our society, usually associated with the Trump political faction, is said to be against the advances of science. Surely it could be said the majority believes science improves our lives. 

An example of a systematic approach to why humans are wired to believe is one I saw in anthropology years ago. It is that humans who think of being not present were the ones in primitive time who were optimistic a controlling force would provide food for them. This kept them moving until they found food. This group reproduced. Those without this fantasy notion gave up and were starved out of existence.

The science of what looks for patterns across all cultures and religions. I've mentioned the common themes that appear across societies and religions. One is the deity coming back to life. Another is a flood. 

Floating above all of this is the "common good." Is there something more important than the why and the what? Is there something that makes it possible for humans to survive only when embedded with religious thoughts?

The author makes what seems a ridiculous theory. It is that human awareness of its sinful nature holds back impulses that otherwise would prevail. This would make his field of theology worthy of survival. It seems dubious to me because a majority of humans do not believe there is sin.