The wondering brain. Thinking about Religion With and Beyond Cogn

The explosion of new research in cognitive neuroscience has revealed fascinating dimensions of the human brain/mind system. But even as it brings us closer to understanding how the mind works, science is producing more, and perhaps even larger questions. What further powers and abilities are latent within us? The Wondering Brain argues that the profound questions raised by cognitive neuroscience may best be answered through a dialogue with religion. Kelly Bulkeley argues that cognitive neuroscience, seen in the light of religion, is a unique source of insight into the natural groundings of faith, morality, love, ecstasy, and revelation. And religion, seen in the light of cognitive neuroscience, is a powerful cultural system whose most valuable function is to stretch and expand our basic cognitive capacities.
Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction: Spheres of Wonder I. Spheres of Wonder II. Presidential Proclamation 6158 1. Dreams and Visions I. The Young Man´s Dreams II. Brain on Fire: A First Look at Cognitive Neuroscience III. Not My Human Mind: A First Look at Religious Studies IV. The Young Man´s Dreams, Anew 2. Sexual Desire I. Angela Amid the Roses II. Mating Games and Climactic Mysteries III. Sex and the Sacred a. Religion and Psychology Interlude I: How Freud Fares IV. The Passion of Lester Burnham 3. Creative Madness I. Teen Spirit II. The Neuroscience of Creativity and Madness III. Religion, Music, and the Brain a. Religion and Psychology Interlude II: How Jung Fares IV. No Recess 4. Contemplative Practice I. "Recite!" II. CN on Reality, Consciousness, and Meditation III. Mysticism, Reconsidered a. Religion and Psychology Interlude III: How James Fares IV. The Satanic Verses Conclusion: The Evolution of Wonder I. War and Wonder II. The Rainbow Bibliography Index.