JNN 04 Apr 2013 :  Like many social and biological systems, the success of religious movements is often a function of securing some type of evolutionary advantage. In simpler terms: better ideologies win while inferior ideologies vanish. Moses challenged Pharaoh and staged a rebellion with a bunch of slaves and his religious movement emerged successful. Jesus challenged the corruption of his time and offered an alternative ideology and his religious movement became victorious. In the thriving trade city of Mecca and among the warring tribes of Yathrib, Mohammad offered a new way of life and soon the entire Arabian Peninsula saw the rise of Islam. What was common among these powerful movements was the same fundamental evolutionary advantage: they offered greater social justice and a better way of life for their followers. Continue reading →