What would happen if religions didn’t impose extreme demands on believers? If the rise of religions fostered social cohesion—I trust you because we both belong to the same faith, and that faith requires each of us to treat the other properly—then this provides all kinds of incentives for one of us to cheat. Instead of actually being religious, I can merely say I am religious, and obtain all the benefits of group membership. I can reap the benefits of the club without paying any of the dues—I can free-ride. Costly rituals make free-riding difficult. If I merely want the benefits of religious
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