Brain Development

It is 400,000 years ago. A man sits in the mist of the jungle observing two rocks in his hands. Perplexed by their texture and strength, he strikes them together igniting a short spark. Amazed by the phenomenon he has created, he keeps striking the rocks until a huge spark ignites, not only burning his fingers, but setting the plants in front of him on fire. This man, classified as Homo erectus, has set the turning point to the human evolution. Neurobiologists and researchers claim that the discovery of fire has allowed humans to cook food, obtain warmth and protection, and increase over all human activity, all leading to the terrific growth of the human brain. Today, our brains have evolved so complexly that we are not only able to think and communicate, but believe and process both the transcendental and experiential aspects of religion.

500,000 thousand years ago, the hominid brain tripled in its size. Recent studies from Timothy Rowe at the University of Texas in Austin revealed that the first big increases in the brain size were in the olfactory bulb, suggesting that the early humans heavily relied on their noses, helping them sniff out food (Robson, 4). Through the use of fire, early humans were eating more nutritious food that in effect, helped grow their brains. Much of the brain's expansion took place in the neocortex. This part of the brain is involved in processing higher order cognitive functions that are connected with human religiosity. The neocortex is associated with self consciousness, language and emotion. According to Dunbar's theory, "the relative neocortex size of any species correlates with the level of social complexity of the particular species. The neocortex size correlates with social variables such as...

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...opment of language, tools, and belief systems all lead to the ultimate creation of religion. Religions are practiced by over 90% of human beings on earth today. The feelings of connection people experience from religion are a function of neurochemistry. Rituals and social or religious gatherings act as serotonin factories to the brain, uplifting one’s moods. Humans created religion to have hope and purpose in their lives when it was dark ad difficult. They wanted to find ways to strengthen their commitments when they felt adrift. Our brain has evolved over centuries, adjusting to circumstances, and growing rapidly to make us more complex beings. It has provided us with religion, giving us a sense of community when we felt isolated and alone. Our brain has provided with morals and principles that are impossible for us to outgrow today. After all, it made us humans!