Born to Believe: God, Science, and the Origin of Ordinary and Extraordinary Beliefs - Softcover

Newberg, Md. Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0743274989 ISBN 13: 9780743274982

Publisher: Atria, 2007

Synopsis

Born to Believe was previously published in hardcover as Why We Believe What We Believe. Prayer . . . meditation . . . speaking in tongues. What do these spiritual activities share and how do they differ? Why do some people believe in God, while others embrace atheism? From the ordinary to the extraordinary, beliefs give meaning to the mysteries of life. They motivate us, provide us with our individual uniqueness, and ultimately change the structure and function of our brains. In Born to Believe, Andrew Newberg, MD, and Mark Waldman reveal -- for the very first time -- how our complex views, memories, superstitions, morals, and beliefs are created by the neural activities of the brain. Supported by groundbreaking original research, they explain how our brains construct our deepest convictions and fondest assumptions about reality and the world around us. Using science, psychology, and religion, the authors offer recommendations for exercising your brain in order to develop a more life-affirming, flexible range of attitudes. Knowing how the brain builds meaning, value, spirituality, and truth into your life will change forever the way you look at yourself and the world.

About this title

Product Description:

Now in paperback, this exciting new book by the nationally bestselling author of Why God Won't Go Away began selling strongly even before its official publication date and publicity. Born to Believe is the first book to show that the brain is biologically driven to create beliefs.

Review:

"Should be required reading for every person, young and old, who has the courage to open his or her mind and explore the biological basis of belief."

-- Sandra Blakeslee, author of The Body Has a Mind of Its Own

"Our beliefs are the most precious things we possess. But how do we get them? Newberg and Waldman propose a thoughtful, well-documented, biological hypothesis...[that is] fascinating for believers and nonbelievers alike."

-- Dean Hamer, PhD, geneticist and author of Living with Our Genes and The God Gene

About this edition

• Publisher: Atria
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0743274989
• ISBN 13: 9780743274982
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352