Conceiving God
The Cognitive Origin and Evolution of Religion
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Thames & Hudson Ltd
Published:8th Mar '10
Should be back in stock very soon
'Conceiving God is a magnificent book.... astonishingly original and convincing .... a sane, courteous and devastating criticism of religion, and an illuminating pleasure to read' Philip Pullman
Suitable for those interested in the origins of religious thought, and the respective roles of science and religion in contemporary society, this title explores how science developed within the cocoon of religion and then shows how the natural functioning of the human brain creates experiences that can lead to belief in the supernatural realm.At once polemical, insightful and thought-provoking, Conceiving God is essential reading for all those interested in the origins of religious thought, and the respective roles of science and religion in contemporary society. Building on the insights and discoveries of his two earlier books, The Mind in the Cave and Inside the Neolithic Mind, cognitive archaeologist David Lewis-Williams explores how science developed within the cocoon of religion and then shows how the natural functioning of the human brain creates experiences that can lead to belief in the supernatural realm.
'An insightful, provocative and extremely thought-provoking contribution to the great debate' - Good Book Guide
'I doubt Lewis-Williams will have the last word in this debate. But in many ways, he should' - Scotland on Sunday
'A well-informed and steady march through the history of religion and its conflict with science … rich and educative' - A.C. Grayling
'A fascinating investigation into the human propensity for religion and religious belief … no one should hesitate to engage with it, or deny themselves the opportunity to be illuminated by the wisdom in its pages' - Rabbi Dr Charles H. Middleburgh
'Wide-ranging, information-rich and thought-provoking … historically informed and well reasoned … open and closed minds alike will find much to ponder' - Theology
'A likeable and carefully reasoned tract' - Times Literary Supplement
ISBN: 9780500051641
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 790g
320 pages