Does belief come naturally?

Open Updated November 2026

A major Oxford research project (2008–2011, 57 researchers, 20 countries) found that belief in gods and an afterlife comes naturally to human beings. Small children readily believe in superhuman agents, in design in nature, and that something of us continues.

Both sides use this

A sceptic says: our minds are wired to see agents everywhere, a rustle in the grass becomes a predator, so belief in God is a by-product. A believer replies: if we are made to look for God, perhaps there is Someone to find. The lead researcher, Justin Barrett, a Christian, said a natural belief “does not mean that it is true in fact”, and that it doesn't make it false either.

What scripture says

The Qur'an speaks of the fiṭra, the natural disposition God gave every person ({ref("30:30")}). Paul writes that God's power is “clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made” (Romans 1:20, WEB). Ecclesiastes: God “hath set the world in their heart” (3:11, JPS 1917).

Source: Oxford Cognition, Religion and Theology Project, results announced May 2011.