Full Description
Can religion and science co-exist? Do they? Is religion hardwired in humans? The book, from the Chicago Social Brain Network, is the result of an extraordinary ongoing conversation among a group of highly respected scientists, physicians, philosophers, and theologians. Together, they share profound insights into the deepest questions humans ask and explore the invisible forces and powerful beliefs that shape our lives. Their insights reflect both humanity's latest science and its most enduring wisdom. Their answers and questions will challenge readers and reward them with a richer understand of who we are, what we share, and what it means. What do we really know about human nature? How do we see what we see, know what we know, feel what we feel? How do people come to believe in God? Where does empathy come from? What are the health benefits of faith? Where do you end, and others begin? What do marriage, family, and friendship mean? How can people repair the broken connections that keep them lonely?
Contents
Preface xi1 Invisible forces operating on human bodies 12 The social nature of humankind 173 Science, religion, and a revived religious humanism 354 Health by connection: from social brains to resilient bodies 495 Psychosomatic relations: from superstition to mortality 616 The suspension of individual consciousness and the dissolution of self and other boundaries 737 Action at a distance: the invisible force of language 838 Hidden forces in understanding others: mirror neurons and neurobiological underpinnings 959 Empathy and interpersonal sensitivity 10910 Seeing invisible minds 12111 Anthropomorphism: human connection to a universal society 13312 How does God become real? 14513 Theological perspectives on God as an invisible force 15714 Visible efforts to change invisible connections 17115 Social brain, spiritual medicine? 18516 Epilogue 197About the authors 207Index 209
