Is God an Illusion?

Is God an Illusion?

Author: Deepak Chopra

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 1846043050

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In this title, the author argues that there is design in our universe and a deep intelligence behind life. Without defending organised religion, he debunks randomness as an explanation for how Nature evolves and shows how consciousness comes first and matter second.


Book Synopsis Is God an Illusion? by : Deepak Chopra

Download or read book Is God an Illusion? written by Deepak Chopra and published by Random House. This book was released on 2012 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this title, the author argues that there is design in our universe and a deep intelligence behind life. Without defending organised religion, he debunks randomness as an explanation for how Nature evolves and shows how consciousness comes first and matter second.


The Illusion of God's Presence

The Illusion of God's Presence

Author: John C. Wathey

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 1633880745

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An essential feature of religious experience across many cultures is the intuitive feeling of God's presence. More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion.Starting with a vivid narrative account of the life-threatening hike that triggered his own mystical experience, biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy. These insights shed new light on some of the most vexing puzzles of religion, like the popular belief in a god who is judgmental and punishing, yet also unconditionally loving; the extraordinary tenacity of faith; the greater religiosity of women relative to men; religious obsessions with sex; the mysterious compulsion to pray; the seemingly irrepressible feminine attributes of God, even in traditionally patriarchal religions; and the strange allure of cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey considers the hypothesis that religion evolved to foster reproductive success, arguing that, in an age of potentially ruinous overpopulation, magical thinking has become a luxury we can no longer afford, one that distracts us from urgent threats to our planet.Deeply researched yet elegantly written in a jargon-free and accessible style, this book presents a compelling interpretation of the evolutionary origins of spirituality and religion.


Book Synopsis The Illusion of God's Presence by : John C. Wathey

Download or read book The Illusion of God's Presence written by John C. Wathey and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2016 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An essential feature of religious experience across many cultures is the intuitive feeling of God's presence. More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion.Starting with a vivid narrative account of the life-threatening hike that triggered his own mystical experience, biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy. These insights shed new light on some of the most vexing puzzles of religion, like the popular belief in a god who is judgmental and punishing, yet also unconditionally loving; the extraordinary tenacity of faith; the greater religiosity of women relative to men; religious obsessions with sex; the mysterious compulsion to pray; the seemingly irrepressible feminine attributes of God, even in traditionally patriarchal religions; and the strange allure of cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey considers the hypothesis that religion evolved to foster reproductive success, arguing that, in an age of potentially ruinous overpopulation, magical thinking has become a luxury we can no longer afford, one that distracts us from urgent threats to our planet.Deeply researched yet elegantly written in a jargon-free and accessible style, this book presents a compelling interpretation of the evolutionary origins of spirituality and religion.


God Is an Illusion

God Is an Illusion

Author: Forest Grace

Publisher:

Published: 2011-11

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781926780153

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This book is a guide for individuals who seek spiritual meanings in their daily activities. Indeed, the most important spiritual quest for a human adult is to find the best way to live a meaningful life. No wonder this subject is the focus of most wisdom traditions of the world. These traditions were originated at various times in our history and from different parts of the world; most importantly they share the same core message. Here, the best way for one to live is to experience his or her being, but this must be done with complete genuineness. Elegantly expressed by the symbol of the forever coexisting Yin and Yang, this being is a state of duality simply termed as body (self) coexisting with the spirit (Self). When one is genuinely experiencing this duality, he or she is enlightened according to Buddha, or in transcendence according to Hinduism, or in the Kingdom of God according to Jesus. Though named differently, these states of mind are all the same.


Book Synopsis God Is an Illusion by : Forest Grace

Download or read book God Is an Illusion written by Forest Grace and published by . This book was released on 2011-11 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a guide for individuals who seek spiritual meanings in their daily activities. Indeed, the most important spiritual quest for a human adult is to find the best way to live a meaningful life. No wonder this subject is the focus of most wisdom traditions of the world. These traditions were originated at various times in our history and from different parts of the world; most importantly they share the same core message. Here, the best way for one to live is to experience his or her being, but this must be done with complete genuineness. Elegantly expressed by the symbol of the forever coexisting Yin and Yang, this being is a state of duality simply termed as body (self) coexisting with the spirit (Self). When one is genuinely experiencing this duality, he or she is enlightened according to Buddha, or in transcendence according to Hinduism, or in the Kingdom of God according to Jesus. Though named differently, these states of mind are all the same.


Communion with God

Communion with God

Author: Neale Donald Walsch

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2002-10-01

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 0425189856

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Neale Donald Walsch has changed the way the world thinks about God. His books have beentranslated into twenty-five languages, and his Conversations With God series, book1, book 2, and book 3, have all been New York Times bestsellers-book 1 for over two years. In the Conversations books, Walsch shared with his readers the beginning of a sacred relationship, as he began an exchange with God on everything from love and faith, to life and death, and good and evil. And then, as Walsch recounted in Friendship with God, something else extraordinary began to happen. His relationship with God began to strengthen and deepen, just as our own relationships do, into a friendship. Now in Communion with God, his most richly intimate book yet, Walsch discovers how to elevate that friendship to a state of communion. In this blueprint for seekers, he reveals The Ten Illusions of Man-the misconceptions we hold about ourselves and our world and our God. He describes with striking clarity how we might heal the great divide that has arisen from these illusions. And as he explores the true meaning of bringing God into our everyday lives, of having the courage of our convictions. Walsch shows us that we can only break free from our illusions when we act always from a place of deep fellowship with all that is holy-a place of communion with God.


Book Synopsis Communion with God by : Neale Donald Walsch

Download or read book Communion with God written by Neale Donald Walsch and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2002-10-01 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Neale Donald Walsch has changed the way the world thinks about God. His books have beentranslated into twenty-five languages, and his Conversations With God series, book1, book 2, and book 3, have all been New York Times bestsellers-book 1 for over two years. In the Conversations books, Walsch shared with his readers the beginning of a sacred relationship, as he began an exchange with God on everything from love and faith, to life and death, and good and evil. And then, as Walsch recounted in Friendship with God, something else extraordinary began to happen. His relationship with God began to strengthen and deepen, just as our own relationships do, into a friendship. Now in Communion with God, his most richly intimate book yet, Walsch discovers how to elevate that friendship to a state of communion. In this blueprint for seekers, he reveals The Ten Illusions of Man-the misconceptions we hold about ourselves and our world and our God. He describes with striking clarity how we might heal the great divide that has arisen from these illusions. And as he explores the true meaning of bringing God into our everyday lives, of having the courage of our convictions. Walsch shows us that we can only break free from our illusions when we act always from a place of deep fellowship with all that is holy-a place of communion with God.


The Future of an Illusion (Deluxe Library Edition)

The Future of an Illusion (Deluxe Library Edition)

Author: Sigmund Freud

Publisher:

Published: 2022-12-15

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789354995422

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First published in 1927, 'The Future of an Illusion' examines the roots of society and religion, written by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for evaluating and treating pathologies in the psyche through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. This is Freud's best-known and most assertive psychoanalytic investigation of religion and is the fruition of a lifelong practice of reflection. Freud uses his understanding of psychology to examine the roots of both civilization and religion. This takes the form of a comprehensive essay, with Freud forming an argument throughout its chapters about the history of religion and the part it should play in society's future. Freud wrote a number of influential books that popularized his psychoanalytic theories, such as 'The Interpretation of Dreams' (1899) and 'The Ego and the Id' (1923). "Immorality, no less than morality, has at all times found support in religion." -Sigmund Freud, The Future of an Illusion


Book Synopsis The Future of an Illusion (Deluxe Library Edition) by : Sigmund Freud

Download or read book The Future of an Illusion (Deluxe Library Edition) written by Sigmund Freud and published by . This book was released on 2022-12-15 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First published in 1927, 'The Future of an Illusion' examines the roots of society and religion, written by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for evaluating and treating pathologies in the psyche through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. This is Freud's best-known and most assertive psychoanalytic investigation of religion and is the fruition of a lifelong practice of reflection. Freud uses his understanding of psychology to examine the roots of both civilization and religion. This takes the form of a comprehensive essay, with Freud forming an argument throughout its chapters about the history of religion and the part it should play in society's future. Freud wrote a number of influential books that popularized his psychoanalytic theories, such as 'The Interpretation of Dreams' (1899) and 'The Ego and the Id' (1923). "Immorality, no less than morality, has at all times found support in religion." -Sigmund Freud, The Future of an Illusion


God: The Failed Hypothesis

God: The Failed Hypothesis

Author: Victor J. Stenger

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2010-08-05

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 161592003X

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Throughout history, arguments for and against the existence of God have been largely confined to philosophy and theology, while science has sat on the sidelines. Despite the fact that science has revolutionized every aspect of human life and greatly clarified our understanding of the world, somehow the notion has arisen that it has nothing to say about the possibility of a supreme being, which much of humanity worships as the source of all reality. This book contends that, if God exists, some evidence for this existence should be detectable by scientific means, especially considering the central role that God is alleged to play in the operation of the universe and the lives of humans. Treating the traditional God concept, as conventionally presented in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, like any other scientific hypothesis, physicist Stenger examines all of the claims made for God's existence. He considers the latest Intelligent Design arguments as evidence of God's influence in biology. He looks at human behavior for evidence of immaterial souls and the possible effects of prayer. He discusses the findings of physics and astronomy in weighing the suggestions that the universe is the work of a creator and that humans are God's special creation. After evaluating all the scientific evidence, Stenger concludes that beyond a reasonable doubt the universe and life appear exactly as we might expect if there were no God. This paperback edition of the New York Times bestselling hardcover edition contains a new foreword by Christopher Hitchens and a postscript by the author in which he responds to reviewers' criticisms of the original edition.


Book Synopsis God: The Failed Hypothesis by : Victor J. Stenger

Download or read book God: The Failed Hypothesis written by Victor J. Stenger and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2010-08-05 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout history, arguments for and against the existence of God have been largely confined to philosophy and theology, while science has sat on the sidelines. Despite the fact that science has revolutionized every aspect of human life and greatly clarified our understanding of the world, somehow the notion has arisen that it has nothing to say about the possibility of a supreme being, which much of humanity worships as the source of all reality. This book contends that, if God exists, some evidence for this existence should be detectable by scientific means, especially considering the central role that God is alleged to play in the operation of the universe and the lives of humans. Treating the traditional God concept, as conventionally presented in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, like any other scientific hypothesis, physicist Stenger examines all of the claims made for God's existence. He considers the latest Intelligent Design arguments as evidence of God's influence in biology. He looks at human behavior for evidence of immaterial souls and the possible effects of prayer. He discusses the findings of physics and astronomy in weighing the suggestions that the universe is the work of a creator and that humans are God's special creation. After evaluating all the scientific evidence, Stenger concludes that beyond a reasonable doubt the universe and life appear exactly as we might expect if there were no God. This paperback edition of the New York Times bestselling hardcover edition contains a new foreword by Christopher Hitchens and a postscript by the author in which he responds to reviewers' criticisms of the original edition.


War of the Worldviews

War of the Worldviews

Author: Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Publisher: Harmony

Published: 2011-10-04

Total Pages: 354

ISBN-13: 0307886905

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Two bestselling authors first met in a televised Caltech debate on “the future of God,” one an articulate advocate for spirituality, the other a prominent physicist. This remarkable book is the product of that serendipitous encounter and the contentious—but respectful—clash of worldviews that grew along with their friendship. In War of the Worldviews these two great thinkers battle over the cosmos, evolution and life, the human brain, and God, probing the fundamental questions that define the human experience. How did the universe emerge? What is the nature of time? What is life? Did Darwin go wrong? What makes us human? What is the connection between mind and brain? Is God an illusion? This extraordinary book will fascinate millions of readers of science and spirituality alike, as well as anyone who has ever asked themselves, What does it mean that I am alive?


Book Synopsis War of the Worldviews by : Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Download or read book War of the Worldviews written by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and published by Harmony. This book was released on 2011-10-04 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two bestselling authors first met in a televised Caltech debate on “the future of God,” one an articulate advocate for spirituality, the other a prominent physicist. This remarkable book is the product of that serendipitous encounter and the contentious—but respectful—clash of worldviews that grew along with their friendship. In War of the Worldviews these two great thinkers battle over the cosmos, evolution and life, the human brain, and God, probing the fundamental questions that define the human experience. How did the universe emerge? What is the nature of time? What is life? Did Darwin go wrong? What makes us human? What is the connection between mind and brain? Is God an illusion? This extraordinary book will fascinate millions of readers of science and spirituality alike, as well as anyone who has ever asked themselves, What does it mean that I am alive?


Man Seeks God

Man Seeks God

Author: Eric Weiner

Publisher: Twelve

Published: 2011-12-05

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1455505706

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Bestselling author of Geography of Bliss returns with this funny, illuminating chronicle of a globe-spanning spiritual quest to find a faith that fits. When a health scare puts him in the hospital, Eric Weiner-an agnostic by default-finds himself tangling with an unexpected question, posed to him by a well-meaning nurse. "Have you found your God yet?" The thought of it nags him, and prods him-and ultimately launches him on a far-flung journey to do just that. Weiner, a longtime "spiritual voyeur" and inveterate traveler, realizes that while he has been privy to a wide range of religious practices, he's never seriously considered these concepts in his own life. Face to face with his own mortality, and spurred on by the question of what spiritual principles to impart to his young daughter, he decides to correct this omission, undertaking a worldwide exploration of religions and hoping to come, if he can, to a personal understanding of the divine. The journey that results is rich in insight, humor, and heart. Willing to do anything to better understand faith, and to find the god or gods that speak to him, he travels to Nepal, where he meditates with Tibetan lamas and a guy named Wayne. He sojourns to Turkey, where he whirls (not so well, as it turns out) with Sufi dervishes. He heads to China, where he attempts to unblock his chi; to Israel, where he studies Kabbalah, sans Madonna; and to Las Vegas, where he has a close encounter with Raelians (followers of the world's largest UFO-based religion). At each stop along the way, Weiner tackles our most pressing spiritual questions: Where do we come from? What happens when we die? How should we live our lives? Where do all the missing socks go? With his trademark wit and warmth, he leaves no stone unturned. At a time when more Americans than ever are choosing a new faith, and when spiritual questions loom large in the modern age, Man Seeks God presents a perspective on religion that is sure to delight, inspire, and entertain.


Book Synopsis Man Seeks God by : Eric Weiner

Download or read book Man Seeks God written by Eric Weiner and published by Twelve. This book was released on 2011-12-05 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bestselling author of Geography of Bliss returns with this funny, illuminating chronicle of a globe-spanning spiritual quest to find a faith that fits. When a health scare puts him in the hospital, Eric Weiner-an agnostic by default-finds himself tangling with an unexpected question, posed to him by a well-meaning nurse. "Have you found your God yet?" The thought of it nags him, and prods him-and ultimately launches him on a far-flung journey to do just that. Weiner, a longtime "spiritual voyeur" and inveterate traveler, realizes that while he has been privy to a wide range of religious practices, he's never seriously considered these concepts in his own life. Face to face with his own mortality, and spurred on by the question of what spiritual principles to impart to his young daughter, he decides to correct this omission, undertaking a worldwide exploration of religions and hoping to come, if he can, to a personal understanding of the divine. The journey that results is rich in insight, humor, and heart. Willing to do anything to better understand faith, and to find the god or gods that speak to him, he travels to Nepal, where he meditates with Tibetan lamas and a guy named Wayne. He sojourns to Turkey, where he whirls (not so well, as it turns out) with Sufi dervishes. He heads to China, where he attempts to unblock his chi; to Israel, where he studies Kabbalah, sans Madonna; and to Las Vegas, where he has a close encounter with Raelians (followers of the world's largest UFO-based religion). At each stop along the way, Weiner tackles our most pressing spiritual questions: Where do we come from? What happens when we die? How should we live our lives? Where do all the missing socks go? With his trademark wit and warmth, he leaves no stone unturned. At a time when more Americans than ever are choosing a new faith, and when spiritual questions loom large in the modern age, Man Seeks God presents a perspective on religion that is sure to delight, inspire, and entertain.


Radical

Radical

Author: David Platt

Publisher: Multnomah

Published: 2010-05-04

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 1601422210

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New York Times bestseller What is Jesus worth to you? It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily... But who do you know who lives like that? Do you? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment -- a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.


Book Synopsis Radical by : David Platt

Download or read book Radical written by David Platt and published by Multnomah. This book was released on 2010-05-04 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New York Times bestseller What is Jesus worth to you? It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily... But who do you know who lives like that? Do you? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment -- a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.


Free Will

Free Will

Author: Sam Harris

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2012-03-06

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 1451683405

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The End of Faith, a thought-provoking, "brilliant and witty" (Oliver Sacks) look at the notion of free will—and the implications that it is an illusion. A belief in free will touches nearly everything that human beings value. It is difficult to think about law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, morality—as well as feelings of remorse or personal achievement—without first imagining that every person is the true source of his or her thoughts and actions. And yet the facts tell us that free will is an illusion. In this enlightening book, Sam Harris argues that this truth about the human mind does not undermine morality or diminish the importance of social and political freedom, but it can and should change the way we think about some of the most important questions in life.


Book Synopsis Free Will by : Sam Harris

Download or read book Free Will written by Sam Harris and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2012-03-06 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the New York Times bestselling author of The End of Faith, a thought-provoking, "brilliant and witty" (Oliver Sacks) look at the notion of free will—and the implications that it is an illusion. A belief in free will touches nearly everything that human beings value. It is difficult to think about law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, morality—as well as feelings of remorse or personal achievement—without first imagining that every person is the true source of his or her thoughts and actions. And yet the facts tell us that free will is an illusion. In this enlightening book, Sam Harris argues that this truth about the human mind does not undermine morality or diminish the importance of social and political freedom, but it can and should change the way we think about some of the most important questions in life.