Two mindsets have been dominating the world since centuries back. One group encompasses those who are religious minded, while another consists believers of science. A new study claimed that the difference in both groups arises due to dominance of one part of the brain, which forms their perception and belief.

There are two parts of brain; one is responsible for analytical thinking, whereas other give birth to empathetic thoughts. Researchers from the Case Western Reserve University and Babson University studied both parts and how they respond to supernatural beliefs. The researchers did eight experiments on 159 to 527 adults. The participants were judged for their empathetic and critical response.

The study led by Tony Jack, a professor of philosophy at Case Western Reserve, rated participants on a 7-point Likert scale, on the basis of their responses to questions raised as part of the experiment. One on the scale implies ‘not at all’, while 7 meant ‘definitely yes’. The findings of the study were published in the journal PLOS One.

The researchers found that when people tend to be more empathetic, the critical thinking network in the brain is suppressed and when empathetic thinking is suppressed, people think critically.

On the other hand, linking this with critical thinking, they further concluded that those who are religious are more empathic and morally concerned. They more often engage themselves in activities such as pray, meditate, and do religious practices than those who are critical.

The researchers further asserted that there are certain people who believe in both science and religion and those are individuals who use both network of brains. They are also able to make a clear understanding of the world.

“Many of history’s most famous scientists were spiritual or religious. Those noted individuals were intellectually sophisticated enough to see that there is no need for religion and science to come into conflict,” said Jack.