The Evolution of God?

Abstract

Imagine surfing the net and stumbling upon an advertisement in Gadget Universe for a “God helmet,” which promises to get you in touch with your god within, reduce your blood pressure, and help you lose 20 pounds of unwanted fat. Results are guaranteed within the safety of your own home— no need to get up early on Sundays for church and no need to give alms to the poor (although the God helmet is $1795, “a bargain at any price but if you act now, you can get it for three easy payments of $595 plus $39.95 shipping/handling”). Ignoring the “snake oil salesman” sign going off in your head, you order your own God helmet. Quivering with excitement when it is finally delivered, you tear the box open, place it on your head, and plug it in. Very soon you fall into a deep, relaxing trance where, for the first time in your life, you feel at one with the universe.¹