At once polemical, insightful and thought-provoking, Conceiving God is essential reading for all those interested in the origins of religious thought, and the respective roles of science and religion in contemporary society. Building on the insights and discoveries of his two earlier books, The Mind in the Cave and Inside the Neolithic Mind, cognitive archaeologist David Lewis-Williams explores how science developed within the cocoon of religion and then shows how the natural functioning of the human brain creates experiences that can lead to belief in the supernatural realm.
Industry Reviews
'Conceiving God' is a magnificent book.... astonishingly original and convincing .... a sane, courteous and devastating criticism of religion, and an illuminating pleasure to read Philip Pullman An insightful, provocative and extremely thought-provoking contribution to the great debate Good Book Guide I doubt Lewis-Williams will have the last word in this debate. But in many ways, he should Scotland on Sunday A well-informed and steady march through the history of religion and its conflict with science rich and educative A.C. Grayling, The New Statesman A fascinating investigation into the human propensity for religion and religious belief no one should hesitate to engage with it, or deny themselves the opportunity to be illuminated by the wisdom in its pages Rabbi Dr Charles H. Middleburgh Wide-ranging, information-rich and thought-provoking historically informed and well reasoned open and closed minds alike will find much to ponder Theology A likeable and carefully reasoned tract The Times Literary Supplement
