Religion Explained

Nov 19, 2024 3:26 PM

Author:Pascal Boyer

Religion Explained

Why are there religious beliefs in all cultures? Do they have features in common and why does religion persist in the face of science? Pascal Boyer shows how experimental findings in cognitive science, evolutionary biology and cultural anthropology are now providing precise answers to these general questions, and providing, for the first time, real answers to the question: Why do we believe?

Reviews

A deep, ingenious, and insightful analysis of one of the deepest mysteries of the human species

—— Steven Pinker

An excellent book in the spirit of the French Enlightenment, broadly learned and with modern behavioural science added. It deserves to be widely read

—— E.O. Wilson

This is a bold far-reaching book. His explanation of religion is lucid, entertaining, full of valuable insight

—— Lord Habgood , Time Higher

The wisdom in its pages will be a revelation to any seeker after truth. While it lets daylight in upon magic, this book is never scornful and never dismissive, and Pascal Boyer's voice is as unpretentious as its title. If faith is the last refuge of the would-be believer, Religion Explained takes it away but puts something better in its place, enlightenment and understanding.

—— Ruth Rendell

A fascinating analysis of urge to believe

—— Scotland on Sunday

Just when I think he can't go any deeper, he does. With How to Know God, Deepak Chopra makes it clear: we have in our midst a spiritual genius.

—— Marianne Williamson, Author of Return to Love and Enchanted Love

The ultimate how-to book! Brilliant!

—— Dean Ornish, M.D., Founder and President, Author of Love & Survival

Sogyal Rinpoche speaks directly and clearly to the Western mind and heart with humour, joy and great warmth.

—— Richard Gere

I have encountered no book on the interplay of life and death that is more comprehensive, practical and wise.

—— Huston Smith author of The World's Religions

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