Can Science Explain Religion?

This is a tour de force. Jones takes the reader through the full range of debates concerning the use and abuse of cognitive science with respect to religion, displaying both expertise and panache. His unique perspective comes from his work as a clinical psychologist. He calls the different parties to take responsibility for their abstract theories in an argument that is both compelling and morally serious. --Timothy Jenkins, Reader in Anthropology and Religion, University of Cambridge Few scholars are better suited than James W. Jones to explore the new frontiers of science and religion. He brings philosophical acumen, psychotherapeutic experience, and spiritual sensitivity to bear on the question of what, if anything, new findings in brain-mind science can tell us about religious beliefs and practices. A necessary book for anyone interested in the future of scientific approaches to religion. --Kelly Bulkeley, author of The Wondering Brain: Thinking about Religion With and Beyond Cognitive Neuroscience This stimulating book on the attempts of cognitive science to explain away religion has the virtue of being fair-minded and comprehensive, without the too-common fault of being boring. Bringing together a knowledge of contemporary science and a sympathy for religion, there is much of value to both believers and those who doubt. It may not be, as the author rather hopes, the last word on the subject. But it is certainly much more than the first word. --Michael Ruse, author of Atheism: What Everyone Needs to Know