Religion Explained?: The Cognitive Science of Religion after Twenty-five Years

Description

With contributions from founders of the field, including Justin Barrett, E. Thomas Lawson, Robert N. McCauley, Paschal Boyer, Armin Geertz and Harvey Whitehouse, as well as from younger scholars from successive stages in the field's development, this is an important survey of the first twenty-five years of the cognitive science of religion. Each chapter provides the author's views on the contributions the cognitive science of religion has made to the academic study of religion, as well as any shortcomings in the field and challenges for the future. Religion Explained? The Cognitive Science of Religion after Twenty-five Years calls attention to the field whilst providing an accessible and diverse survey of approaches from key voices, as well as offering suggestions for further research within the field. This book is essential reading for anyone in religious studies, anthropology, and the scientific study of religion.

Luther H. Martin is Professor of Religion Emeritus at the University of Vermont, USA. Donald Wiebe is Professor of Philosopy of Religion, Trinity College, University of Toronto, Canada.

A series of earnest and frank reflections by scholars, established within [cognitive science of religion], who write passionately about their hopes for the future of the field they have helped to build. * Reading Religion * Key questions raised in the papers ... collectively form a rich dialogue about the past, present and future of CSR ... [An] exemplary collection. * Journal of Cognitive Historiography * Martin and Wiebe have put together an extraordinary collection of essays on the past, present, and future of the Cognitive Science of Religion. The result is a volume that is a must-have for anyone interested in the scientific study of the religious mind. * Dimitris Xygalatas, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, USA * This volume offers a presentation of the field of the cognitive science of religion by some of its founders and finest experts and demonstrates that it has grown into a diverse and dynamically developing research paradigm. * Istvan Czachesz, Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Tromso, Norway * It is fascinating to read the insights of scholars as they take stock of this youthful discipline, and consider its possible future directions. Luther Martin and Donald Wiebe have compiled a stimulating appraisal of many different aspects of research in the cognitive science of religion, with thoughtful reflections from both established and new practitioners in the field. * Esther Eidinow, Professor of Ancient History, University of Bristol, UK * The cognitive science of religion (CSR) is based on the uncontroversial idea that scholars should strive to make their theories consistent. Though most humanities scholars believe in the life sciences, systematic efforts to integrate the life sciences with the cultural study of religion began only recently, through the rise of the CSR. Beyond simply summarising progress, this collection articulates the bold intellectual vision motivating this vibrant interdisciplinary field. For anyone who wants to understand how the scientific study of religion and the cultural study of religion have become mutually dependent, this book makes for essential reading. * Joseph Bulbulia, Professor of Religious Studies, Victoria University, New Zealand * It provides an interesting and informative range of perspectives on a movement that has reached something of a watershed in its development. The perspectives offered are scholarly, honest and critical, often probing deeply. * Science & Christian Belief *