title: Let us be careful with the evidence on mentalizing, cognitive biases, and religious beliefs.
abstract: Norenzayan et al.'s theoretical synthesis is highly plausible and commendable. However, the empirical evidence for the arguments on mentalizing, cognitive biases, and religious belief is currently not as strong as the writers suggest. Although certainly abundant and compelling, this evidence is indirect, contradictory, and weak and must be acknowledged as such. More direct studies are needed to support the theory.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Behavioural Sciences,University of Helsinki,FI-00014 University of Helsinki,Finland.marjaana.lindeman@helsinki.fiannika.svedholm@helsinki.fihttp://blogs.helsinki.fi/everyday-thinking/
authors.forename: Marjaana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindeman
authors.affiliation: Institute of Behavioural Sciences,University of Helsinki,FI-00014 University of Helsinki,Finland.marjaana.lindeman@helsinki.fiannika.svedholm@helsinki.fihttp://blogs.helsinki.fi/everyday-thinking/
authors.forename: Annika M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Svedholm-Häkkinen
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003071:Cognition; D003192:Compulsive Behavior; D012067:Religion; D056345:Theory of Mind