Brain & Belief: An Exploration of the Human Soul

By John J. McGraw

From its beginnings in prehistoric religion to its central importance in Western faiths, the soul has been a constant source of fascination. In this intriguing book, the concept of the soul is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974764507
• ISBN13: 9780974764504
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Aegis Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating voyage

Like most people, I have long believed in my own immortality because I couldn't bear to face the alternative. Then I read McGraw's Brain & Belief. This book presents a clear challenge: dare to confront why we posit the existence of an immortal human soul. Does this stem from cold, honest logic or mere wishful thinking? It is difficult to imagine how any open minded reader can remain unaffected by the power of Mr. McGraw's challenge. Ultimately, Brain & Belief is not simply an argument against the soul but a manifesto in support of humanism. The subtext is clear enough - just as we can do quite well without the soul, we can do equally well without God. McGraw never says this explicitly, but does he have to? If we are all discrete beings whose lives begin and end with the pumping of blood inside a limited space, and whose actions are completely the product of random, evolutionary forces, where does that leave the existence of a deity? McGraw is clearly unfazed by death in all manifestations - be it our death or that of our God. Whether his readers will come to embrace the virtues of mortality remains a question, but at the very least, they should never again look at the grim reaper with anywhere near as much horror. And that is the ultimate irony of the book - it makes something as terrible as death seem both more important and more liberating. Truly, this fascinating voyage is well worth the ride.

Extremely interesting book, well written, examining an old issue from different perspectives, 11 out

This book is excellent, it sheds light where others dare not go when it comes to religion and philosophy. The book examines the history of religions, the brain and synthesis of the two together. It demystifies that which many religions have kept in shrouds of secrecy and provides you with an unbiased logical perspective and understanding of philosophy and religion. As you reflect back on this book you will get a whole new appreciation about all life on this planet. I recommend you read it for yourself and make your own conclusions.

Bold & Original Insights; Beautifully Written

Brain and Belief is a book for anyone who's ever considered the dislocation between Western religion and science (from either the perspective of faith or atheism). Anyone wishing to learn more about the role and function of religion in Western society would also find this book fascinating. The book is divided into three sections: (1) history & discussion of western belief systems; (2) overview of the brain; (3) a resolution and synthesis of the two. If you are well-versed in Western religious thought and neuroscience, section III contains the bulk of the book's insights, and many passages here are truly brilliant. Brain and Belief also rewards the reader with a beautiful literary style peppered with carefully chosen metaphors and witticisms. I laughed aloud at a passage comparing a biblical description of Heaven to "...Christmas Caroling in a suntan booth forever and ever..." It was one of many. My biggest complaint, ironically enough, is the 2 page Conclusion chapter at the end. It fails to summarize the book well and doesn't do justice at all to the more brilliant passages of Section III. I read the conclusion first and wasn't sure I wanted to spend my time on the rest of the book, but I'm very, very glad I did. Highly recommended! Beautifully written, it's insights are bold and original, spawning from the author's rich professional and personal journey.

Really Interesting!

I've always found various religious ideas to be really interesting. This author focuses on the human soul and does a good job of trying to describe where it came from (both historically and psychologically) and then tries to use different fields of study to investigate what our modern sciences can tell us about these ancient ideas. Highly recommended to anyone who has pondered life after death.

A fascinating look at the mind-brain paradox

This book confronts one of life's most personal and fascinating paradoxes. Science shows us that the brain is a heap of very fancy chemistry. Yet through consciousness and feelings we experience something more. The book starts with an exhaustive inventory of traditional and religious thought on the subject over thousands of years. You may want to skim this section. McGraw then summarizes in 150 pages what modern science has discovered about the workings of the brain. The third section shows how and why we naturally cling to spiritual beliefs and offers a conclusion. A great read for anyone interested in science vs. religion or the mind-brain conundrum.