Chimps and religion?

[flatplat]

I first heard this mentioned in a History and Philosophy of Sci class and I'd like to know what everyone else makes of it.

http://tinyurl.com/jwwt9

Summary - Goodall has observed chimps doing a sort of dance in periods of heavy rain. Its usually only the males.

There is also a certain waterfall here they like to perform these displays. They also stare at it for long period with what Goodall interprets as awe.

So what do you think? Could this behaviour be very similar to that of the very first humans to dabble in religion? Or is there another explanation to their behaviour?



(I know my source isn’t the best, but I am looking for others - will post them if I find them)

*looks at this post in awe* *Does it a little dance, makes a little love, gets down tonight*

Interesting, raises alot of questions that no-one can answer.

[AngryFemme]

That reminds me of a short story about a group of rhesus monkeys experiencing the rapture. In the end they realize they're inching closer to becoming human beings, can't cope, and decide that killing themselves would be a better fate than supernatural servitude.

^ I haven't thought about that story in a long time.

quote:Originally posted by AngryFemme:

That reminds me of a short story about a group of rhesus monkeys experiencing the rapture. In the end they realize they're inching closer to becoming human beings, can't cope, and decide that killing themselves would be a better fate than supernatural servitude.

^ I haven't thought about that story in a long time.

lol Suicidal rhesus monkeys, well if its supernatural, they are in for a nasty surprise as supernaturally servitude ghost monkeys: But thats another story!

[jb_mcbean]

quote:Originally posted by Abrahim:

*looks at this post in awe* *Does it a little dance, makes a little love, gets down tonight*

ARGH!! JIHAD *throws anthrax at your eyes*

[ArmsMerchant]

Reminds me of something Plato once said, something to the effect that if horses had gods, their gods would look like big horses.

Maybe the chimps worship King Kong.

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

Reminds me of something Plato once said, something to the effect that if horses had gods, their gods would look like big horses.

Maybe the chimps worship King Kong.

I really dislike the whole "God in the image of" crap.

[ArmsMerchant]

^Yes, it is silly, but it has to be dumbed down for the masses.

On the other hand, fuck the masses.