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Title: NeuroTheology: Brain, Science, Spirituality, Religious Experience by R. Joseph, Andrew Newberg, Matthew Alper, William James, Friederich Nietzsche, Eugene G. d'Aquili, Michael Persinger, Carol Albright ISBN: 0-9716445-8-6 Publisher: University Press Pub. Date: 15 May, 2003 Format: Paperback List Price(USD): $44.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.83 (6 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Paradigm Busting
Comment: This fascinating text opens with a chapter by Nietzsche who proclaims the death of God. Science makes god and religion, irrelevant, for how do we reconcile religious and spiritual belief with the "big bang" the "organic soup" and Darwin's theory of random variations? The death of these latter theories is proclaimed in the three ensuing chapters, which in turn paves the way for a reexamination of the scientific foundations for spiritual and religious belief in the following 30 chapters. We learn there are over 50 major scientific theories which offer conflicting explanations as to the origin and nature of the universe. We are provided in-depth examinations of particle physics, string theory, qauntum mechanics, etc., only to discover a consensus does not exist, and that much of the scientific evidence seems to refute the big bang and any notions as to the age of the universe. The authors tell us there are stars which may be so far away, and which may have died so long ago, their light may have winked out of existence or may never be detected, which makes it impossible to determine the age or extent of the universe. Making estimates on stars that still live tell us little about the age of the universe if we know nothing of those stars which died long ago. We cannot preclude "God" is we know not how the universe came into being. There may in be multiple-universes and dozens of additional diminsions as predicted by string theory, including dimensions which the common people refer to as heaven and hell. The chapters dealing with these subjects are densely scientific. In another chapter, it explained that given the incredible complexity of a single molecule of DNA, the notion it was randomly assembled in an organic soup, is the equivalent of discovering a computer on jupiter and then arguing it was randomly assembled in the methane sea. So how did life orginate? Perhaps it fell to earth, encased in cosmic debris. Perhaps it was designed by "God." The Universe may be swarming with life, and its DNA, which shows signs of "intelligent design" as is reluctantly admitted by many DNA-experts. Darwin's theory explains variability, but cannot explain evolutionary progress. His theory is also incompatible with what we know of genetics. DNA, we learn, is capable of engineering the environment, and its own evolution, through complex genetic mechanisms. Life may not have randomly evolved. The progression leading to modern humans appears to be under precise genetic control, e.g., introns, silent genes, etc., Humans can now manipulate DNA and humans may begin engineering their own evolution, and this is also incompatible with Darwin's theory. Humans may continue to "evolve" and traits that we associate with religion and spirituality, may actually be similar to the pre-language grunting of Neanderthals. These are rudimentary capacities which may yet evolve and become more complex and "God-like." Thus, the groundwork for reexamining and exploring the scientific foundations of religious belief is established and there ensues 30 additional chapters, both pro and con, which examine the scientific basis of god beliefs and spirituality, with chapters on the evolution of religion, mysticism, shamanism, ghosts, demons, possession, the anti-christ, violence, terrorism, and homosexuality and sexuality and religion. There is absolutely nothing "new age" about this text. For the most part, this is a rigorous scientific book, with chapters written by esteemed scientists and scholars who have made significant contributions to this emerging new field of science. When a book triggers high praise and vehement hysterical condemnation, we should recognize it is an important book. This is an important book.
Rating: 5
Summary: Brilliant. Provocative. Not for the Narrow Minded.
Comment: Religion and spirituality have had a bad "rap" and perhaps for good reason. How many crimes have been committed, how many wars, how many murders, all in the name of religion? The answer is actually provided in this book which is edited by pioneering neuroscientist Rhawn Joseph, the man who discovered or first documented neuroplasticity and recovery of function in the primate brain, the hormonal basis of sex differences, the role of early environmental influences on learning, memory, and emotional development, and who is the author of two best selling scholarly text books on the brain. Neurotheology contains over 30 chapters written by over 20 distinguished scientists and authors who offer a wide range of perspectives including the views of those who do not believe in neurotheology. The third edition includes chapters by William James, Nietzsche, Newberg, Persinger, Alper, Winkelman, and so on, in short, all the leading scholars and authors who have contributed to this field. There are nearly 200 eye-popping pictures and photographs and over a 1,000 scientific references. Of course, this book is not for everyone. Those who begin to gag at the very mention of religion or spirituality will hate this book. Those who believe that science and religion should never be mentioned in the same sentence, will also be agag. This book, with scientific chapters on such diverse subjects as the organic soup, the evolution of spirituality, the anti-christ, and so on, has the potential to open many doors, but only for those with open minds.
Rating: 1
Summary: Not what I was hoping
Comment: This book is a testament to what machinations the mind can create without a single shred of evidence. I can't beleive that the authors claim this book to be scientific! This book should be called, "NeuroTheology, Pseudoscience, Spirituality and other Ridiculous Theories." Rhawn Joseph blatantly disregards fundamental scientific evidence of darwinism to promote his "intelligent design" theory which is only a small modification of creationism (Instead of god, he has aliens.) Even the articles by scientists such as Newberg, that might have some scientific validity (at least the theories can be tested), are overshadowed by the new-age garbage. Any serious scientist searching for meaning and the understanding of religious experiences should avoid this book. I am apalled that scientists who consider themselves intelligent and reasonable would even associate themselves with this book.
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Title: The Mystical Mind: Probing the Biology of Religious Experience (Theology and the Sciences) by Eugene G. D'Aquili, Andrew B. Newberg ISBN: 0800631633 Publisher: Fortress Press Pub. Date: August, 1999 List Price(USD): $20.00 |
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Title: Why God Won't Go Away : Brain Science and the Biology of Belief by Eugene G. D'Aquili, Vince Rause, M.D. Andrew Newberg ISBN: 034544034X Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 26 March, 2002 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: The "God" Part of the Brain by Matthew Alper ISBN: 0966036700 Publisher: Rogue Pr Pub. Date: May, 2001 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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Title: The Biology of Belief: How Our Biology Biases Our Beliefs and Perceptions by Joseph Giovannoli, Dan A. Wilson, Thomas Giovannoli ISBN: 0970813716 Publisher: Rosetta Press, Inc. Pub. Date: 29 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Where God Lives in the Human Brain by Carol Rausch Albright, James B. Ashbrook, Anne Harrington ISBN: 1570717419 Publisher: Sourcebooks Trade Pub. Date: April, 2001 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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