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The Sacred Neuron: Discovering the Extraordinary Links Between Science and Religion
Author(s): John Bowker (Author)
- Publisher: I.B. Tauris
- Publication Date: 25 Feb. 2005
- Language: English
- Print length: 240 pages
- ISBN-10: 9781850434818
- ISBN-13: 1850434816
Book Description
Why do we think that things happen in the way that they do? Why do we think that some things are beautiful, and others ugly? Why do we think that some things are good, and others evil? Why do we think that some things are true, and others false? These are old and traditional questions. In the past they have been answered by separating our emotional from our rational responses. But recent work in the neurosciences suggests that the questions now deserve very different answers. In his fascinating and original new book, John Bowker shows that reason and emotion work much more closely together in forming human opinions and judgements than has previously been supposed. This discovery has stunning implications for the increasingly dangerous relationship between different religions and cultures, and also for the human sense of God. The Sacred Neuron is a masterful survey of some key topics in science and religion, which will be sure to amaze and delight the author’s many admirers.
Editorial Reviews
Review
The Tablet, 16th July 2005. Reviewed by Fraser Watts: ‘John Bowker’s latest book… is one of the most important and enjoyable I have read for some time. He writes with elegance, subtlety and wit, and is able to draw on an enviably rich range of illustrations, citations and anecdotes to support his unfolding argument.’ ‘This is an enormously rich and important book that deserves to be widely read.’ Church Times, 1st July 2005. Review by Professor McPhate, Dean of Chester: ‘Quite simply, this is an excellent and extremely important book.’ ‘This book has a breadth of vision, an integrity, and a clarity that cannot fail to inform, delight, and engage any reflective reader: a masterpiece.’ ‘A thoughtful and thought-provoking work’ Rupert Sheldrake, Times Literary Supplement ‘…Bowker takes his readers on a whirlwind journey through history, religion, aesthetics and ethics…’British Association for the Study of Religions, November 2005. ‘… the labour required to stick with Bowker’s train of thought is well worth it… this book should be read by anyone who believes universal truths can be found in one religion and one religion only.’ – Irish Timse
About the Author
John W Bowker is one of the best known contemporary writers on religion, and is the author of many books, including The Meanings of Death, God: A Brief History, and Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World. He was in addition general editor of the Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. He was formerly Professor of Religious Studies at Lancaster University and, before his retirement, a Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge.
