Description
Book SynopsisAcross history, our understanding of God, the soul, spirituality, and even science itself has shifted dramatically. Today, we have more scientific knowledge than ever, yet some age-old questions persist: Why do we believe in gods, souls, and rituals? Are these beliefs innate? Do existential fears drive us toward or away from religion? What can we learn about spirituality from children? How can we leverage scientific thinking to study spirituality?This book invites you into the labs and minds of some of the world''s most renowned psychological scientists for an in-depth look at how psychologists can study religion and spirituality-and how they wrestle with doubts about ostensibly established findings and methods, even as the field advances. From China, India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Tuva, this book takes a balanced perspective on a diverse range of experiments and studies, casting a light on both their brilliance and their limitations. Ultimately, this book re
Trade ReviewExperimenting with Religion is a great introduction to the way psychologists ask and answer questions. It's a well written, sophisticated ramble through some of our knottiest problems in social science. It's suitable for an introductory class on psychology—and for curling up with in front of a fire. * T.M. Luhrmann, author of How God Becomes Real *
A breezy, friendly, wise book that gives an understanding of what it is that scientists studying religion spend their time doing. This is the book I will be giving my family so they can see why I love my job. * Konrad Talmont-Kaminski, Lecturer, Faculty of Psychology, University of Finance and Management, Warsaw *
Jong's Experimenting with Religion is an enlightening meditation on the search for understanding. The science of religion offers an opportunity to apply the best methodologies available to gain insight into how and why people believe. Unexpectedly, the subjects of Jong's story are not really the participants in the experiments, but the scientists conducting them. How do scientists come to believe how people believe? Jong exposes the uncertainty and challenge of gaining true insight on religion, and the natural world more generally, with a personal and arresting account of scientists doing their daily work. Even the most rigorous science will produce a slow walk toward the truth with plenty of false starts along the way. That isn't to suggest that the journey isn't worth it, just that we should do so with humility and recognition that what we know and what we think we know are not the same thing. * Brian Nosek, Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia *
Experimenting with Religion provides a unique view into the labs—and minds—of psychologists who study religion. Whether or not you are interested in religion, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants to know how psychologists know what they know, and also how to make sense of scientific research that is sometimes confusing and contradictory. * Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Ungifted^ and Wired to Create *
Table of ContentsPreface and acknowledgements 1. (How) can psychologists study religion? 2. Does thinking cause atheism? 3. Are children creationists? 4. Is God like Superman? 5. Do children believe in souls? 6. What does God know? 7. What makes an effective ritual? 8. Does death anxiety drive religion? Epilogue Notes
