Title
The Illusion Of God'S Presence: The Biological Origins Of Spiritual Longing
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An Essential Feature Of Religious Experience Across Many Cultures Is The Intuitive Feeling Of God'S Presence. More Than Any Rituals Or Doctrines, It Is This Experience That Anchors Religious Faith, Yet It Has Been Largely Ignored In The Scientific Literature On Religion.Starting With A Vivid Narrative Account Of The Lifethreatening Hike That Triggered His Own Mystical Experience, Biologist John Wathey Takes The Reader On A Scientific Journey To Find The Sources Of Religious Feeling And The Illusion Of God'S Presence. Hisbook Delves Into The Biological Origins Of This Compelling Feeling, Attributing It To Innate Neural Circuitry That Evolved To Promote The Motherchild Bond. Dr. Wathey, A Veteran Neuroscientist, Argues That Evolution Has Programmed The Infant Brain To Expect The Presence Of A Loving Being Who Responds To The Child'S Needs. As The Infant Grows Into Adulthood, This Innate Feeling Is Eventually Transferred To The Realm Of Religion, Where It Is Reactivated Through The Symbols, Imagery, And Rituals Of Worship. The Author Interprets Our Various Conceptions Of God In Biological Terms As Illusory Supernormal Stimuli That Fill An Emotional And Cognitive Vacuum Left Over From Infancy.These Insights Shed New Light On Some Of The Most Vexing Puzzles Of Religion, Like The Popular Belief In A God Who Is Judgmental And Punishing, Yet Also Unconditionally Loving; The Extraordinary Tenacity Of Faith; The Greater Religiosity Of Women Relative To Men; Religious Obsessions With Sex; The Mysterious Compulsion To Pray; The Seemingly Irrepressible Feminine Attributes Of God, Even In Traditionally Patriarchal Religions; And The Strange Allure Of Cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey Considers The Hypothesis That Religion Evolved To Foster Reproductive Success, Arguing That, In An Age Of Potentially Ruinous Overpopulation, Magical Thinking Has Become A Luxury We Can No Longer Afford, One That Distracts Us From Urgent Threats To Our Planet.Deeply Researched Yet Elegantly Written In A Jargonfree And Accessible Style, This Book Presents A Compelling Interpretation Of The Evolutionary Origins Of Spirituality And Religion.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains four hundred sixty-four pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of the biological origins of spirituality.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point three five inches in length, zero point eight seven inches in width, and nine point one four inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This type of binding enhances durability and gives it a more professional appearance.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is John C. Wathey. He is a biologist and neuroscientist, providing a scientific perspective on spirituality.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book falls under the genre of Science & Religion. It combines scientific inquiry with topics of spiritual significance.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: Simply open the book and start from the first page. It is written in an accessible style, making it easy to understand.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: The book is intended for adult readers. Its themes and discussions on spirituality and biology may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of spirituality, religious experience, and the biological origins of faith. It discusses how these aspects relate to human evolution.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place. Keeping it away from direct sunlight will help maintain the integrity of the cover and pages.
- Q: Can this book be cleaned? A: Yes, the cover can be wiped with a dry cloth. Avoid using liquids that could damage the paper or binding.
- Q: Is this book backed by scientific research? A: Yes, the book is deeply researched and presents scientific arguments about the origins of spiritual feelings. The author provides insights based on neuroscience.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: The book uniquely combines biology with spirituality, focusing on the illusion of God's presence. It offers fresh perspectives on longstanding religious questions.
- Q: Does this book discuss any specific religions? A: Yes, it examines various conceptions of God across different cultures. The author analyzes religious themes from a biological standpoint.
- Q: What audience would this book appeal to? A: This book appeals to readers interested in science, religion, and spirituality. It's particularly suited for those curious about the intersection of these fields.
- Q: What are the key takeaways from this book? A: Key takeaways include insights into the evolutionary origins of spirituality and the understanding of religious feelings as biological phenomena. It challenges traditional views on faith.