Religion Explained: The Human Instincts That Fashion Gods, Spirits and Ancestors Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

Religion Explained: The Human Instincts That Fashion Gods, Spirits and Ancestors Book

REVIEW: What's it all about? Cognitive anthropologist Pascal Boyer tackles this question in the unapologetically titled Religion Explained, and is sure to polarise his readers. Some will think it's an impermissible invasion of mental territory beyond the reach of reason, others will see it as the first step toward a more complete understanding of human nature--and Boyer is acutely aware of the emotionally-charged nature of his work. This knowledge informs his decision to proceed without caution, as he warns readers early on that most will risk being offended by some of his considerations. Laying aside one's biases as best as one can will bring great rewards; Boyer's wide scholarship and knack for elegant writing are reasons enough for reading. That gods and spirits are construed very much like persons is probably one of the best known traits of religion. Indeed, the Greeks had already noticed that people create gods in their own image ... All this is familiar, indeed so familiar that for a long time anthropologists forgot that this propensity requires an explanation. Why then are gods and spirits so much like humans? Peppering his study with examples from all over the world, particularly the Fang people of Africa, Boyer offers plenty of evidence for his theory that religious institutions exist to maintain particular threads of social integrity. Though he uses the tools of evolutionary psychology, he is more careful than most EP proponents to avoid ad hoc and circular arguments. Best of all, at least to those unmortified at the idea of critically examining religion, his theories are potentially testable. Even if he turns out to be dead wrong, at least Religion Explained offers a new and powerful framework for thinking about our spiritual lives. --Rob LightnerRead More

from£12.35 | RRP: £10.99
* Excludes Voucher Code Discount Also available Used from £3.54
  • Amazon

    Why are there religious beliefs in all cultures? Do they have features in common and why does religion persist in the face of science? This work shows how experimental findings in cognitive science, evolutionary biology and cultural anthropology are providing precise answers to these general questions.

  • BookDepository

    Religion Explained : Paperback : Vintage Publishing : 9780099282761 : 0099282763 : 07 Nov 2002 : Do they have features in common and why does religion persist in the face of science? Pascal Boyer shows how experimental findings in cognitive science, evolutionary biology and cultural anthropology are now providing precise answers to these general questions, and providing, for the first time, real answers to the question: Why do we believe?

  • 0099282763
  • 9780099282761
  • Pascal Boyer
  • 7 November 2002
  • Vintage
  • Paperback (Book)
  • 448
  • New edition
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through any of the links below and make a purchase we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Click here to learn more.

Would you like your name to appear with the review?

We will post your book review within a day or so as long as it meets our guidelines and terms and conditions. All reviews submitted become the licensed property of www.find-book.co.uk as written in our terms and conditions. None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.

All form fields are required.