Download or read book The Evolution Of Gods The Scientific Origin Of Divinity And Religion written by Ajay Kansal and published by Epicurus Books. This book was released on 2012-04-23 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Did gods create mankind, or did mankind create gods? Why, when and how did mankind begin to worship gods? Religious scriptures the world over claim that one or the other god made man, but science has not yet identified any supernatural power that created and governed human beings. Was it man who came up with the idea of gods to help him cope with his own fears? Could it be that ancient people attributed natural phenomena-unfathomable and frightening to them-to the working of invisible gods? What kind of sufferings or bewilderments made people bow before unseen powers or gods as we call them? When were these gods created? Who invented morals and methods of worship? Who wrote the ancient scriptures such as the Bible and the Vedas? Most crucially, have gods and the scriptures shaped our responses to the world around us? The Evolution of Gods seeks to answer these questions, and explains scientifically how, when and why religions and gods came into being. Ajay Kansal marshals anthropological and historical facts about the development of religions in a simple and straightforward manner to assert that it was mankind that created gods, and not the other way around.

Download or read book Evolution of God written by Leonardo Wolfe and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2021-02-24 with total page 584 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This debut book boldly seeks to argue competitively in the same intellectual field as famous atheists such as RICHARD DAWKINS, CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS, and BERTRAND RUSSELL, and to do so in the spirit and style of such famous Christian apologists as C.S. Lewis and RAVI ZACHARIAS, drawing heavily on basic science, history, physics, psychology, paleontology, anthropology, archeology, neurology, child development and even science fiction. It describes the evolution of the human brain in ancient hominids allowing humans to eventually conceive a non-physical realm (the spirit world), and as the mind evolved intellectually from primitive animism to Christology, God revealed himself gradually as the developing hominid brain became able to comprehend new ideas. For Believers, the author presents a new, intellectually satisfying way to understand and defend the Bible. For both Skeptics and Believers, a worldview is offered that is spiritually meaningful and scientifically sound.

Download or read book The Evolution of the Idea of God written by Grant Allen and published by . This book was released on 1897 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The God of Gods Evolution written by Francis Sylvester Mahony and published by . This book was released on 1925 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Language of God written by Francis Collins and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2008-09-04 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dr Francis S. Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is one of the world's leading scientists, working at the cutting edge of the study of DNA, the code of life. Yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God. How does he reconcile the seemingly unreconcilable? In THE LANGUAGE OF GOD he explains his own journey from atheism to faith, and then takes the reader on a stunning tour of modern science to show that physics, chemistry and biology -- indeed, reason itself -- are not incompatible with belief. His book is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of all: why are we here? How did we get here? And what does life mean?

Download or read book The Evolution of the Idea of God written by Grant Allen and published by . This book was released on 1981 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Evolution of the Idea of God written by Grant Allen and published by . This book was released on 1908 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Evolution of God written by Robert Wright and published by Little, Brown. This book was released on 2009-06-08 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this sweeping narrative that takes us from the Stone Age to the Information Age, Robert Wright unveils an astonishing discovery: there is a hidden pattern that the great monotheistic faiths have followed as they have evolved. Through the prisms of archaeology, theology, and evolutionary psychology, Wright's findings overturn basic assumptions about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and are sure to cause controversy. He explains why spirituality has a role today, and why science, contrary to conventional wisdom, affirms the validity of the religious quest. And this previously unrecognized evolutionary logic points not toward continued religious extremism, but future harmony. Nearly a decade in the making, The Evolution of God is a breathtaking re-examination of the past, and a visionary look forward.

Download or read book Evolving Brains Emerging Gods written by E. Fuller Torrey and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2017-09-05 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Religions and mythologies from around the world teach that God or gods created humans. Atheist, humanist, and materialist critics, meanwhile, have attempted to turn theology on its head, claiming that religion is a human invention. In this book, E. Fuller Torrey draws on cutting-edge neuroscience research to propose a startling answer to the ultimate question. Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods locates the origin of gods within the human brain, arguing that religious belief is a by-product of evolution. Based on an idea originally proposed by Charles Darwin, Torrey marshals evidence that the emergence of gods was an incidental consequence of several evolutionary factors. Using data ranging from ancient skulls and artifacts to brain imaging, primatology, and child development studies, this book traces how new cognitive abilities gave rise to new behaviors. For instance, autobiographical memory, the ability to project ourselves backward and forward in time, gave Homo sapiens a competitive advantage. However, it also led to comprehension of mortality, spurring belief in an alternative to death. Torrey details the neurobiological sequence that explains why the gods appeared when they did, connecting archaeological findings including clothing, art, farming, and urbanization to cognitive developments. This book does not dismiss belief but rather presents religious belief as an inevitable outcome of brain evolution. Providing clear and accessible explanations of evolutionary neuroscience, Evolving Brains, Emerging Gods will shed new light on the mechanics of our deepest mysteries.

Download or read book The Evolution of the Idea of God written by Grant Allen and published by . This book was released on 1931 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Genetic Gods written by John C. Avise and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2009-06-30 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: They mastermind our lives, shaping our features, our health, and our behavior, even in the sacrosanct realms of love and sex, religion, aging, and death. Yet we are the ones who house, perpetuate, and give the promise of immortality to these biological agents, our genetic gods. The link between genes and gods is hardly arbitrary, as the distinguished evolutionary geneticist John Avise reveals in this compelling book. In clear, straightforward terms, Avise reviews recent discoveries in molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, and human genetic engineering, and discusses the relevance of these findings to issues of ultimate concern traditionally reserved for mythology, theology, and religious faith. The book explains how the genetic gods figure in our development--not just our metabolism and physiology, but even our emotional disposition, personality, ethical leanings, and, indeed, religiosity. Yet genes are physical rather than metaphysical entities. Having arisen via an amoral evolutionary process--natural selection--genes have no consciousness, no sentient code of conduct, no reflective concern about the consequences of their actions. It is Avise's contention that current genetic knowledge can inform our attempts to answer typically religious questions--about origins, fate, and meaning. The Genetic Gods challenges us to make the necessary connection between what we know, what we believe, and what we embody. Table of Contents: Preface Prologue 1. The Doctrines of Biological Science 2. Geneses 3. Genetic Maladies 4. Genetic Beneficence 5. Strategies of the Genes 6. Genetic Sovereignty 7. New Lords of Our Genes? 8. Meaning Epilogue Notes Glossary Index Reviews of this book: Our genes, [Avise] says, are responsible not only for how we got here and exist day to day, but also for the core of our being--our personalities and morals. It is our genetic make-up that allows for and formulates our religious belief systems, he argues. Avise does not eschew spirituality but seeks a more informed, less confrontational approach between science and the pulpit. --Science News Reviews of this book: For the general scientific reader, the book is an excellent distillation of a broad and increasingly important field, a course of causation that cannot be ignored. From advising expectant parents to getting innocent people off death row, genetics increasingly dominates our lives. The sections on genetics are expertly written, particularly for those readers without in-depth knowledge. The author explains slowly and carefully just how genetics operates, using multiple metaphors. His genetic discourse proceeds in a neighborly fashion, as one might tell stories while sitting in a rocking chair at a country store. He seems to be invigorated by genes and just can't wait to tell about them. --David W. Hodo, Journal of the American Medical Association Reviews of this book: As a whole, this book is quite informative and stimulating, and sections of it are beautifully written. Indeed, Professor Avise has a real gift for prose and scientific expositions, and I would suspect that he must be a formidable lecturer...At its core, [The Genetic Gods] is a survey, and a very nice one at that, of evolutionary genetics, the field of the author's major research interests. There is a strong sociobiological cast to the arguments, and the work and ideas of E. O. Wilson figure prominently. The presentation of evolutionary genetics is imbedded in a more general discussion of modern human and molecular genetics...However, this book is, most of all, a philosophical treatise that attempts, admittedly with the bias of a biologist, to examine the intersection of the fundamental premises of evolution and religion. Professor Avise has given us plenty to think about in this book [and]...it was a real pleasure to wrestle with the ideas he was presenting. I would suggest that other readers give it a try. --Charles J. Epstein, Trends in Genetics Reviews of this book: [Avise's] account of the role genes play in shaping the human condition is wholly involving, paying particular attention to issues of reproduction, aging and death. In addition to presenting ample biological information in a form accessible to the nonspecialist, Avise does a superb job of discussing many of the ethical implications that have arisen from our growing knowledge of human genetics. Just a few of the topics covered are genetic engineering, the patenting of life, genetic screening, abortion, human cloning, gene therapy and insurance-related controversies. --Publishers Weekly Reviews of this book: Avise explains thoroughly how evolution operates on a genetic level. His goal is to show that humans can look to this information as a way to answer fundamental questions of life instead of looking to traditional religious beliefs...Avise includes some very interesting discussions of ethical concerns related to genetic issues. --Eric D. Albright, Library Journal This is a splendid account of a subject that affects us all: the breathtaking increase in understanding of human genetics and the insight it provides into human evolution. John Avise speaks with authority of molecular evolutionary genetics and with affecting compassion of what it might mean. --Douglas J. Futuyma, State University of New York at Stony Brook The Genetic Gods is many things. It is a wonderful introduction to modern molecular biology, by a man who knows his subject backwards. It is a stimulating account of the ways in which genetics impinges on human nature--our thinking and our behavior. It is a remarkably level-headed and sympathetic account of the implications of our new findings for traditional and not-so-traditional issues in philosophy and religion. In an age of genetic counseling, cloning, construction of new life forms, the book is worth its weight in gold for this alone. But most of all, it is a huge amount of fun to read--you want to applaud or argue with the author on nigh every page. Highly recommended! --Michael Ruse, University of Guelph The Genetic Gods makes a valuable contribution to the on-going task of sorting out the implications of evolutionary biology and genetics for human self-understanding. Avise addresses, with authority and grace, the most consequential intellectual issues of our time. A challenging and insightful book. --Loyal Rue, Harvard University A wonderfully informative and engaging book. Avise offers a lucid, accessible primer on our genes, angelic and demonic, and examines religious and ethical issues, all too human, now confronted by genetic science. He makes a compelling case that anyone seeking to 'Know Thyself' should study the DNA molecular scriptures, our most ancient and universal legacy. --Dudley Herschbach, Harvard University, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

Download or read book Return of the God Hypothesis written by Stephen C. Meyer and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2021-03-30 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The New York Times bestselling author of Darwin’s Doubt presents groundbreaking scientific evidence of the existence of God, based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology. Beginning in the late 19th century, many intellectuals began to insist that scientific knowledge conflicts with traditional theistic belief—that science and belief in God are “at war.” Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer challenges this view by examining three scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications. Building on the case for the intelligent design of life that he developed in Signature in the Cell and Darwin’s Doubt, Meyer demonstrates how discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in biology help to establish the identity of the designing intelligence behind life and the universe. Meyer argues that theism—with its affirmation of a transcendent, intelligent and active creator—best explains the evidence we have concerning biological and cosmological origins. Previously Meyer refrained from attempting to answer questions about “who” might have designed life. Now he provides an evidence-based answer to perhaps the ultimate mystery of the universe. In so doing, he reveals a stunning conclusion: the data support not just the existence of an intelligent designer of some kind—but the existence of a personal God.

Download or read book Discovering God and His Creation written by Carl R. Turner M. D. and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2008-10 with total page 67 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is there evidence for the existence of God? Is evolution true and if so, is evolution compatible with Christianity? These questions face not only students each year but also our modern society as a whole. The answers to these questions are important because they will determine our understanding of nature and our relationship with God. Dr. Turner in his book, Discovering God and His Creation, focuses on these two questions. He tells of his lifelong journey in the worlds of faith, science and evolution and what he has discovered as he searched for answers. He outlines the overwhelming evidence for both the existence of God and evolution and explains how nature cannot be understood without evolution. He reveals that the solution to the faith and science dilemma lies in a deeper understanding of the Christian belief that God is a father. Dr. Turner's journey began with the influence of a father and, after completion of graduate studies in evolutionary biology and medical school, ended with his realization that evolution is more compatible with Christianity than any other explanation for nature. The reasons behind Dr. Turner's conclusion are enlightening and will provide a long sought for answer to the standoff between faith and science.

Download or read book The Evolution of the Idea of God written by Grant Allen and published by . This book was released on 1920 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book God and Evolution written by R. J. Berry and published by Regent College Publishing. This book was released on 2001 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Berry describes why so many Christians have difficulty believing in the theory of evolution. (Christian Living)

Download or read book THE EVOLUTION OF THE GOD ILLUSION written by Ir. Jim K K Wong and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2012-06-16 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As one may have read Cicero in The Nature Of The Gods, ancient people were vivid observers of the sky and the celestial bodies because of their livelihood- they were mostly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. The cycles of nature and seasons were the most important factors affecting farming civilizations. The brilliant ‘stars’ Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and the zodiac were also objects of great interest. These heavenly bodies were regarded as deities even by learned philosophers. Cicero and Socrates had a field day demolishing these strongly held prevailing ideas. One popular god illusion of the West and Middle East began with patriarch Abraham who was an astronomer from Mesopotamia. He studied Jupiter avidly and could predict its behavior which he used it to his advantage in his migration to the Fertile Crescent and in his encounters with hostile inhabitants. Abraham had the delusion that Jupiter-Yahweh was a deity who could be depended to assist him in troubled times. The Yahweh Delusion was passed down from Abraham to son Isaac and grandson Jacob. Jacob’s 12 sons migrated to Egypt, multiplied and eventually became slaves. Moses a pariah Egyptian prince became the rebel leader of the Hebrew slaves when he discovered his roots. At the opportune moment, c.1450 BCE, Venus erupted from unstable fast-spinning Red Giant Jupiter and shot into the inner solar system like a billiard ball along a highly elliptical orbit. It had several close encounters with Earth, Moon and Mars and created stunning phenomena or ‘miracles’ such as the much exaggerated Ten Plagues, parting of the Red Sea, the rain of manna, apparent stopping of the Earth’s rotation, and even the destruction of the mighty army of Sennacherib near Jerusalem. Moses and his successors apparently knew and could predict more or less unusual celestial phenomena and attributed them to a tribal deity Yahweh who was connected with their deliverance and survival. Every successful prediction or expectation resulted in augmenting the god illusion. The god illusion evolved through stupendous sagas, cross fertilized by neighbors and reformers roughly from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. However, the Hebrews had a confused idea of this savior deity and its feminine aspects, such as the Celestial Cow giving manna-milk. In the evolutionary process, Yahwist patriarchs literally wrote off the influential Goddess and made Yahweh a lone male god of Judaism and Christianity. The underlying motive developing this god illusion is Moses’ and Israel’s covetousness of the fertile Holy Land. Moses needed a justification to commit genocide, to rob, loot, destroy and drive out people inhabiting the land of milk and honey. The justification is a tribal god of Israelites who gives mandate to his chosen race to rob and steal the Promise Land from ‘evil’ worshippers of false gods! The underlying theory for this god illusion evolution hypothesis is based on Immanuel Velikovsky’s bestseller of the 1950s, Worlds in Collision. This hypothesis met fierce opposition in academia and Establishment Science. The AAAS Symposium 1974 was convened to address the serious challenge. Here, the author produces abstracts from various experts in various disciplines of sciences and arts to counter objections to the underlying theory. The god illusion presented here is my own interpretation of the psychological impacts and aspects of these astounding celestial phenomena. I am using appropriate knowledge in several disciplines to support my thesis, such as radiation chemistry, upper atmosphere chemistry and behavioral science. My training as a stock analyst to read the underlying environment enables me to read in between the lines, to speculate and connect the gaps and dots together and present a satisfying version of the god illusion.

Download or read book The Evolution of the Idea of God written by Grant Allen and published by . This book was released on 1949 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: