Moralistic supernatural punishment is probably not associated with social complexity

Evolutionary theories of religion frequently assume that the presence moralizing gods is positively associated with social complexity. An influential source evidence for this assumption comes from researchers using Standard Cross-Cultural Sample’s high variable as a proxy measure their outcome interest (the gods). In paper, we critically assess common are complex societies. We first discuss god variable’s coding criteria, which defined by whether or not creator director universe, regardless power omniscience. then show these relevant to question about moralistic punitive, has led underestimate systematically producing false negatives – inferring truly present absent because absent. use datasets include both and risk more among lower levels As also show, likely leads spurious positive association between complexity gods. briefly ethnographic data historical biases might have strengthened association. therefore widely assumed morally punitive complexity, conclude supports prevalence small-scale