[PLUG-TALK] Religious gene

[John Jason Jordan]

From archeological evidence, Neanderthal did not mourn their dead. When
the body started to stink, they moved the camp. Present day animals do
much the same thing. Cro-Magnon man, however, had extensive burial
routines. 

I question whether the genetic need to mourn the dead is related to a
need for religion. Consider the genetic benefit of a "religion gene."
Humans have a vast intellect, unique among the animals in that it can
override the main instinct of self preservation. A religion gene helps
us overcome this and survive.

Discuss.