Sign-In
Cart
The God Part of the Brain: A Scientific Interpretation of Human Spirituality and God
Paperback
Atheism & AgnosticismReligion General Cognition
Publisher Price: $19.99
ISBN13: 9781402214523
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: Sep 1 2008
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.75
Height: 0.90 Width: 5.40 Depth: 8.00
Language: English
A thought-provoking study of science and religion about our human need to believe in a higher power, for spiritual seekers and atheists alike.
In The God Part of the Brain, Matthew Alper pioneers a radical theory: the human inclination toward spirituality and belief in a higher power can be attributed to a specific part of our brain. This bold hypothesis takes us on an exciting journey that merges science, philosophy, and spirituality in a unique way.
Alper engages readers with compelling arguments based on neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and anthropology, provoking profound thought on the nature of existence and our inherent need for spiritual meaning as a coping mechanism that emerged in humans to help us survive our unique and otherwise debilitating awareness of death. His narrative is accessible yet deeply profound, providing insights that stimulate both intellectual curiosity and spiritual introspection.
Key Features:
- Groundbreaking Hypothesis: Presents a bold new theory about the neuroscientific basis of human spirituality.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines insights from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and anthropology to explore spiritual experiences.
- Intellectually Stimulating: Challenges readers to contemplate profound questions about existence, faith, and the human mind.
- Accessible Narrative: Engages readers with a narrative that is both informative and accessible, regardless of their scientific background.
- Provocative and Thoughtful: Invites deep introspection about our inherent need for spiritual meaning.
Praise for The God Part of the Brain
This cult classic in many ways parallels Rene Descartes' search for reliable and certain knowledge...Drawing on such disciplines as philosophy, psychology, and biology, Alper argues that belief in a spiritual realm is an evolutionary coping method that developed to help humankind deal with the fear of death...Highly recommended.-- Library Journal
I very much enjoyed the account of your spiritual journey and believe it would make excellent reading for every college student - the resultant residence-hall debates would be the best part of their education. It often occurs to me that if, against all odds, there is a judgmental God and heaven, it will come to pass that when the pearly gates open, those who had the valor to think for themselves will be escorted to the head of the line, garlanded, and given their own personal audience. -- Edward O. Wilson, two-time Pulitzer Prize-Winner
This is an essential book for those in search of a scientific understanding of man's spiritual nature. Matthew Alper navigates the reader through a labyrinth of intriguing questions and then offers undoubtedly clear answers that lead to a better understanding of our objective reality. -- Elena Rusyn, MD, PhD; Gray Laboratory; Harvard Medical School
What a wonderful book you have written. It was not only brilliant and provocative but also revolutionary in its approach to spirituality as an inherited trait.-- Arnold Sadwin, MD, former chief of Neuropsychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania
A lively manifesto...For the discipline's specific application to the matter at hand, I've seen nothing that matches the fury of The 'God' Part of the Brain, which perhaps explains why it's earned something of a cult following. -- Salon.com
Also in
Cognition
Healing Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Psychology, Meditation, and the Mind-Body Connection
H. H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama
Salzberg, Sharon
Paperback
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A GUIDE AND MAP FOR RECOVERING FROM CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
Walker, Pete
Paperback
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
Herman, Judith Lewis
Paperback
The Complete Guide to the Enneagram: A Modern Approach to Self-Discovery and Connecting Well with Others
MacKenzie, Sierra
Paperback
Mapping the Darkness: The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked the Mysteries of Sleep
Kenneth Miller
Paperback
True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color--From Azure to Zinc Pink
Stamper, Kory
Hardcover
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
Neff, Kristin
Germer, Christopher
Paperback
The Love Language(tm) That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It
Chapman, Gary
Parrott, Leslie
Parrott, Les
Paperback
The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us
Goldstein, Rebecca Newberger
Hardcover
Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving
Dahl, Cortland
Davidson, Richard J.
Hardcover
The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World
McGilchrist, Iain
Paperback
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence---From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror
Herman, Judith Lewis
Paperback
Raising Mentally Strong Kids: How to Combine the Power of Neuroscience with Love and Logic to Grow Confident, Kind, Responsible, and Resilient Childre
Fay Phd, Charles
Amen MD Daniel G.
Hardcover
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Brown, Brené
Paperback
The Art of Letting Go: Stop Overthinking, Stop Negative Spirals, and Find Emotional Freedom
Trenton, Nick
Hardcover
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook--What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us about Loss, Love, and
Perry, Bruce D.
Szalavitz, Maia
Paperback
Once I Get Started: The Adult ADHD Program for Turning Your Intentions Into Actions
Ramsay, Russell, PH. D.
Hardcover
Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain: Breaking the Doom Loop to Heal Chronic Physical and Emotional Pain
Amen, Daniel G.
Hardcover
Permission to Feel: The Power of Emotional Intelligence to Achieve Well-Being and Success
Brackett, Marc
Paperback
Big Trust: Rewire Self-Doubt, Find Your Confidence, and Fuel Success
Sekkouah, Fayçal
Zahrai, Shadé
Hardcover
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Van Der Kolk, Bessel
Hardcover
From Mistakes to Meaning: Owning Your Past So It Doesn't Own You
Lynton, Michael
Steiner, Joshua L.
Hardcover
Better Small Talk: Talk to Anyone, Avoid Awkwardness, Generate Deep Conversations, and Make Real Friends
King, Patrick
Paperback
The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss
O'Connor, Mary-Frances
Paperback
The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity--And Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race
Lieberman, Daniel Z.
Long, Michael E.
Paperback
Where Do You Feel That in Your Body?: Moving Beyond Talk Therapy to Understand the Language of the Nervous System
Saunders, Simone
Hardcover
What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People
Navarro, Joe
Karlins, Marvin
Paperback
The 25th Hour: How to Thrive (and Gain Ridiculous Amounts of Time) by Getting Out of Your Own Way
Schore, Neal
Hardcover
The Art of Letting Go: Stop Overthinking, Stop Negative Spirals, and Find Emotional Freedom
Trenton, Nick
Paperback
Smitten: Romantic Obsession, the Neuroscience of Limerence, and How to Make Love Last
Bellamy, Tom
Hardcover
I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't): Making the Journey from What Will People Think? to I Am Enough
Brown, Brené
Paperback
Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to Overcome Anxiety, Panic, and Worry
Pittman, Catherine M.
Karle, Elizabeth M.
Paperback
Unfuck Your Brain Workbook: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers
Harper, Faith G.
Paperback
We All Have Parts!: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma with Internal Family Systems
West, Colleen
Hardcover
The Rejected Parent: Rebuild Your Relationship with Your Child During and After a Divorce or Custody Dispute
Himlin, Cathy
Paperback
Reality Switch Technologies: Psychedelics as Tools for the Discovery and Exploration of New Worlds
Gallimore, Andrew R.
Paperback
The Secret Language of Birthdays: Your Complete Personology Guide for Each Day of the Year
Elffers, Joost
Goldschneider, Gary
Paperback
What's True about You: 7 Steps to Move Beyond Your Painful Past and Manifest Your Brightest Future
Thomas, Katherine Woodward
Hardcover
Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind
Brewer, Judson
Paperback
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery
Cron, Ian Morgan
Stabile, Suzanne
Hardcover
Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism
Rosenberg, Stanley
Paperback
Los 7 hábitos de la gente con inteligencia emocional: Domina tus emociones, aumenta tu autoestima y recupera el control de tu vida
Oliver, Daniel M.
Paperback
Big Feelings, Big Joy: The Essential Practices to Reclaim Your Strengths as a Highly Sensitive Person
Snow Lmft, April
Hardcover
How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend: A Neuroscientist's Guide to a Healthier, Happier Life
Barr, Rachel
Hardcover
Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being
Berman, Marc
Hardcover
Tiny Shifts: How Emotional Health Transforms Stress, Relationships, and Longevity
Goldstein, Elisha
Paperback
The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook: Using the Brain's Neuroplasticity to Break the Cycle of Chronic Pain
Blackstone, Vanessa M.
Sinaiko, Olivia S.
Paperback
Better Small Talk: Talk to Anyone, Avoid Awkwardness, Generate Deep Conversations, and Make Real Friends
King, Patrick
Hardcover
Carl Jung-Based Shadow Work Journal and Workbook for Deep Healing: Guided Prompts for Emotional Healing, Trauma Recovery, and Mindful Living
Jung, Carl
Voss, Adeleine
Paperback
The Courage to Be Ordinary: Discover Your Surprising Superpower for a Thriving Life
Kishimi, Ichiro
Paperback
Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets Ofthe Heart
Doty, James R.
Paperback
A Horse's Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare
McDonald, Crissi
Peters, Stephen
Rashid, Mark
Paperback
Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World (Large Print Edition)
Grant, Adam
Paperback
The Immortal Mind: A Neurosurgeon's Case for the Existence of the Soul
Egnor, Michael
O'Leary, Denyse
Hardcover
Transforming the Shame Triangle: From Shame to Love Using Parts Work
Cooley, David
Fern, Jessica
Paperback
Actually, You're Fine: A Compassionate, Practical Guide to Maximizing Your Child's Potential in the Age of Anxiety
Davis, Katie S.
Hardcover
Permiso Para Sentir: Educación Emocional Para Mayores Y Pequeños Con El Método Ruler / Permission to Feel
Brackett, Marc
Paperback
How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days
Leibowitz, Kari
Hardcover
A Feminist's Guide to ADHD: How Women Can Thrive and Find Focus in a World Built for Men
Maschke, Janina
Paperback
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
Doidge, Norman
Paperback
The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time
Korb, Alex
Paperback
Spy the Lie: Former CIA Officers Teach You How to Detect Deception
Carnicero, Susan
Floyd, Michael
Houston, Philip
Paperback
EMDR Workbook for Kids: A Collection of EMDR Handouts & Worksheets to Help Kids Process Trauma, Stress, Anger, Sadness & More
Mark-Griffin, Christine
Paperback
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways
Cheng-Tozun, Dorcas
Hardcover
The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes
Tracey, Kevin J., MD
Hardcover
How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend: A Neuroscientist's Guide to a Healthier, Happier Life
Barr, Rachel
Paperback
Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy
Shapiro, Francine
Paperback
The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, Iq, and Grit--Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness
Wright, Craig
Paperback
A Colorful Introduction to the Anatomy of the Human Brain: A Brain and Psychology Coloring Book
Edwards, Maggie
Pinel, John
Paperback
Read Your Color: Discover Your Reading Type and Build a Life-Changing Love of Books
Reese, Steven J.
Paperback
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways
Cheng-Tozun, Dorcas
Paperback
After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond
Greyson, Bruce
Paperback
The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing
O'Connor, Mary-Frances
Hardcover
Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia: 101 Games and Activities to Teach Your Child to Read
Braun, Hannah, M. Ed
Paperback
Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines: The Search for a Planetary Intelligence
Bridle, James
Paperback
The Attachment Theory Workbook: Powerful Tools to Promote Understanding, Increase Stability, and Build Lasting Relationships
Chen, Annie, Lmft
Paperback