The Minds of Gods: New Horizons in the Naturalistic Study of Religion

Humans are fascinated with divine minds because they want to know what gods know and what they care about, and how it affects us and our relationships. The Minds of Gods explores these questions from various naturalistic perspectives, combining evolutionary and cognitive approaches to religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Why are humans so captivated by the idea of divine minds? What do gods know, and what do they care about? How does the presence of gods impact our relationships and our lives?

To explore these profound questions, The Minds of Gods draws on a wide range of disciplines, including neuroscience, evolutionary biology, cultural anthropology, social psychology, religious studies, philosophy, technology, and cognitive and political sciences. Each chapter provides a concise intellectual history of its topic, summarizes the most current cutting-edge research in the field, and identifies areas that require further attention from future scholars.

Through an innovative theoretical framework that blends evolutionary and cognitive approaches to religion, this book brings together previously disparate literatures to focus on a subject that has been a persistent and central obsession of our species throughout history.

In the first chapter, we delve into the origins of human fascination with divine minds. We examine the evolutionary factors that have shaped our cognitive abilities and our propensity for religious belief, as well as the cultural and social contexts that have influenced the development of different religious traditions.

Chapter two explores the knowledge and concerns of gods. We examine the different theories about the nature of gods, including theism, atheism, and agnosticism, and consider the evidence for and against the existence of gods. We also explore the questions that gods may have about us, such as our purpose and our fate, and the ways in which we may communicate with them.

Chapter three examines the impact of gods on our relationships. We explore the ways in which religious beliefs and practices can strengthen social bonds and promote cooperation, as well as the ways in which they can create divisions and conflicts. We also consider the ways in which gods may influence our personal relationships, such as our relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.

Chapter four examines the consequences of gods for our lives. We explore the ways in which religious beliefs and practices can provide meaning and purpose, as well as the ways in which they can lead to harmful consequences, such as discrimination, violence, and oppression. We also consider the ways in which technology and other forms of modern innovation may be changing our relationship with gods.

In conclusion, The Minds of Gods provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the human fascination with divine minds. By drawing on a wide range of disciplines, this book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the topic and provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of our relationship with gods. Whether you are a scholar, a religious practitioner, or simply someone interested in the human condition, this book will be an invaluable resource for your understanding of the world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350265707