I think the very definition of superstition has something to yield.
1. a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.
2. a system or collection of such beliefs.
3. a custom or act based on such a belief.
4. irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, esp. in connection with religion.
5. any blindly accepted belief or notion.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/superstitionEmphasis on 1 and 5. I think when people do not understand, cannot understand, will not understand, or don't want to understand, it is very easy to turn to superstitious beliefs. I'm currently reading The Selfish Gene, so I'll have more to contribute after reading it, but I'd say its natural to be superstitious in the evolutionary sense. It is a failsafe that our mind produces to give us the most likely possible explanation to something we don't understand.
However, as it currently stands, humans have far surpassed a mere evolutionary level, and are able to think outside of the realm of necessity, so therefore, if we are to truly progress as a civilisation, we must throw down all superstitious beliefs, even religion, and base what we believe on what we know, with evidence.
