The Cognitive Science of Religion

‘In this important and timely book, James Van Slyke provides a sharp critique of much current work in the cognitive science of religion on the basis of its reductionist tendencies and its assumption that humans today still have minds shaped in the Stone Age. He then offers a more scientifically, philosophically, and theologically credible model of the formation of concepts of God, which, he argues, begins by transferring models of interpersonal relations formed by parent-child bonding.’ – Nancey Murphy, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA

‘The field of study called the Cognitive Science of Religion provides interesting and informative theories about the cognitive and evolutionary origins of human religion. However, most of these theories include the unnecessary assumption that religion is "nothing but" the chance outcome of a random evolutionary walk. In this very useful book, James Van Slyke provides a thoughtful review of this field, while also arguing for a more balanced view of the human aspects of religion that takes seriously the embodiment of human nature and cognition, modern philosophy of mind, and theology.’ – Warren S. Brown, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, USA

‘Slyke has produced a well written essay, with a neat and clear exposition of the limits of the ’standard model’ and a constructive new model built on his perception of that model’s inadequacies. The resultant extension of the dominant paradigm constitutes a healthy exercise in theory-building, and seems much more plausible in its heuristic power than the simplistic theoretical framework previously available.’ – ESSSAT News & Reviews

‘... Van Slyke’s volume provides a handy guide to a variety of cognitive approaches and their limits.’ – Journal of Religion