God is great—for your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Based on new evidence culled from brain-scan studies, a wide-reaching survey of...
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Sep 26, 2011
Reksa
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Jan 19, 2011
Lee
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I see this as two books in one: first, a basic look at the malleability of our brain and how it can be trained--specifically, how spiritual practices rebuild neural paths within our brain--and second, a practical guide to basic meditation.
I give the first half five stars. I didn't read all of the second half. Guess that means I should drop my rating one star. It's not that I'm not interested in meditation, because I'm thoroughly convinced of its spiritual and mental value; it's that, l More...
I give the first half five stars. I didn't read all of the second half. Guess that means I should drop my rating one star. It's not that I'm not interested in meditation, because I'm thoroughly convinced of its spiritual and mental value; it's that, l More...
Dec 01, 2010
James
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There were some fascinating results of studies revealed in this book about what happens in our brains as we participate in certain religious or spiritual activities - praying, meditating, and even glossolalia. The authors addressed this from their scientific perspectives and appeared not to grasp or take seriously one spiritual beliefs. I am a Christian, but I believe that a non-believer or one of another world religion might also recognize this. Certain facets or tenets that one of any partic
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Sep 07, 2009
Dnelson
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Newberg and Waldman, neuroscientist and therapist at the Univesity of Pennsylvania, present fascinating evidence and survey results documenting the beneficial effects of spiritual practice, be it prayer, meditation, or even "compassionate communication," on the brain's chemistry, on one's thinking and values, and on mental health.
In his past research, Newberg has concentrated on performing CAT-scans of meditating Buddhist monks and praying nuns to observe the neurologica More...
In his past research, Newberg has concentrated on performing CAT-scans of meditating Buddhist monks and praying nuns to observe the neurologica More...
Jun 22, 2009
Sally
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Despite its title, this book is largely about promoting compassion, acceptance of others, awareness, and health through various types of meditation, relaxation, and other exercises. The effectiveness of these practices, often taken from religious traditions, does not depend on any religious content or context. They are presented in a form acceptable to anyone, whether atheist or members of any religion. The first part examines concepts of God from an evolutionary and developmental viewpoint.
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Jun 27, 2010
Skylar
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Titillating title, but a boring exercise in the conclusion of the mostly obvious, with a cup of unsubstantiated moralizing thrown in for good measure.
In How God Changes Your Brain, two researchers (a neuroscientist and a therapist) discuss how the brain reacts to religious ritual, most particularly meditation. They conclude that intense, long-term contemplation of “God” actually permanently changes the brain, specifically altering those parts that control mood, sensory perception, a More...
In How God Changes Your Brain, two researchers (a neuroscientist and a therapist) discuss how the brain reacts to religious ritual, most particularly meditation. They conclude that intense, long-term contemplation of “God” actually permanently changes the brain, specifically altering those parts that control mood, sensory perception, a More...
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Jun 07, 2009
Carol
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I enjoyed this book's multifaceted approach to the subject. Two authors with each having a different philosophy which adds to one's ability to bring a personal philosophy to it. So God is described as a spiritual philosophy or the answer to man's search for life relevance. An epiphany: "If you use your belief in God to practice charity, compassion, and acceptance, that's great. But if you use your beliefs to generate any level of discimination - -". I also loved one of the authors
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Jan 07, 2011
Sarah
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Great premise, but I don't feel it really stuck to the subject. Actually, most of it was about the benefits of meditation - which are great and all...but not what I was looking for. I am a religious person, but I didn't want to look through that lens. I wanted to look at the neuroscience behind spirituality. What the authors covered on this topic could have been condensed to a pamphlet. In the end, there was way too much caution and just not enough hard science. It is there, and what littl
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Feb 06, 2012
Tricia
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I finished it!
This book took me a very long time to read because of three factors:
1. I started it during graduate school (what was I thinking?)
2. It was shelved during the Dark Tower extravaganza, which took me a lot longer to get through than I had anticipated.
3. I wanted to absorb EVERY. SINGLE. DETAIL. so I intentionally set a very slow pace.
This book was extraordinary. Since I started it in 2011, I'd go ahead and classify it in my top 3 favorite books I read More...
This book took me a very long time to read because of three factors:
1. I started it during graduate school (what was I thinking?)
2. It was shelved during the Dark Tower extravaganza, which took me a lot longer to get through than I had anticipated.
3. I wanted to absorb EVERY. SINGLE. DETAIL. so I intentionally set a very slow pace.
This book was extraordinary. Since I started it in 2011, I'd go ahead and classify it in my top 3 favorite books I read More...
Apr 16, 2010
Joe
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A VERY interesting approach to faith. Sort of a combination psychology, physiology, biology, and "Theology", although the authors do not refer to any specific religion in their study. through the use of brain scans, they have studied the effects of prayer, meditation, and survey on brain scans from fundamentalists, spiritualists, agnostics, atheists, and main-line beliefs of a variety of religious perspectives. It brings a whole new perspective to religious faith and practice. An inter
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Dec 07, 2011
Annette
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I read this book for a class I was taking. Some parts of it were interesting, however, the authors site study upon study, repeatedly stating that you do not need to believe in God to change your brain. Meditation is the answer. The book contends that mediatation, especially, meditating on compassion and like subjects, causes actual changes to the brain that are beneficial.
Meditation is WONDERFUL and it may cause healthy changes in brain functions .. there you have it, the whole book..
Meditation is WONDERFUL and it may cause healthy changes in brain functions .. there you have it, the whole book..
Sep 17, 2010
Mark
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The title is misleading. This book is about how spiritual practices effect the brain... typically with these practices removed from their religious roots. The authors seemed to imply that the true benefit of these historical religions are the practices they discovered rather than the beliefs and theology that they teach. They also fail to recognize that the practices might not have been accidentally discovered, but spring directly from the theology.
I was not surprised that the practi More...
I was not surprised that the practi More...
Jul 20, 2009
Amy
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I actually bought this book, because it sums up my life-long fascination with the effects faith/prayer/meditation can have on us - and here it is being scientifically studies, how a practice of meditation can calm the amygdala (the fear/anxiety reptilian brain) in order to allow the pre-frontal cortex (compassion) to emerge. I go back to this book over and over again.
May 18, 2010
Katie
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Interesting but sometimes anecdotal in annoying ways. This book is basically about what brain scans are now showing about how neurological changes take place according to various religious practices. That part is fascinating. Also it comes to the conclusion that images of an angry God can actually cause harm to the brain.
Jan 10, 2011
Nick
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This book is chock-full of interesting findings about our brain's chemistry and "wiring", interesting survey results, and in two final chapters, a basket of techniques for improving one's mood, dealing with anger, increasing empathy, and other good goals. The title is provocative, and so is the content.
Jun 20, 2009
Having just caught the last 10 minutes of a lecture on book TV by the Author...I was too impressed to pass this title by. Simply by practicing certain meditations the authors were able to change te pattern of a persons brain. Im sure there is much more involved and I can not wait to find out.
Aug 23, 2010
Darcy
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Fantastic read by two neuroscientists on how meditation, prayer, and thinking about God and life purpose can ultimately be very good for brain health. The study included believers from several different religious traditions (including a lack of belief) and observed what parts of the brain are active in general religious and meditative practices. The results not only show generalities, but also that one's interaction with God is highly individual as well. The book includes several meditation prac
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Nov 11, 2009
Yvonne
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I learned to look at the functioning of my brain - and what you can do to help the brain function more harmoniously. I also learned that it is important to be involved with people and share ideals, hopes, loves.
Aug 18, 2009
Nancy
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If you think of God as a metaphor for the search for truth the title will make more sense. I learned that spiritual contemplation leads to a healthier brain and a healthier society. Fascinating reading.
Sep 11, 2009
Kathryn
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Everyone should read this book, and everyone should buy it too.
It is about how believing in God, whatever God, that might be; or not believing in God, affects the very structure of your brain.
It combines science and religion. It is just an incredible book. Very interesting and informative.
I highly recommend it.
It is about how believing in God, whatever God, that might be; or not believing in God, affects the very structure of your brain.
It combines science and religion. It is just an incredible book. Very interesting and informative.
I highly recommend it.
May 30, 2010
Julie
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This was a great study on the impact of spiritual beliefs on stressers in your life; the book was informative but not conclusive on the actual impact of God on your brain versus the impact of meditation and strong belief systems but still a worthwhile read.
Jan 26, 2011
Josey
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I love all of Andrew Newberg's books and have read them all. Quite an eye opener.
Oct 09, 2010
Ann
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An excellent scientific review of how faith, meditation and mindfulness benefit us mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Dec 06, 2010
Terry
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After reading Michael Gerson's comments in the Washington Post, I think this sounds informative.
After starting to read this, I understand it is more about our attitudes and feelings about God, than about God, himself. A provocative title helps to sell books.
Finally put it down. Could not get excited about it.
After starting to read this, I understand it is more about our attitudes and feelings about God, than about God, himself. A provocative title helps to sell books.
Finally put it down. Could not get excited about it.
Nov 12, 2010
Carey
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There is a lot of empirical evidence here for the benefits of spiritual practice and meditation - even that different meditative exercises offer benefits for different parts of the brain. I loved the idea of thinking of faith as an exercise. The book also describes several meditative exercises, including one you can use in conversation. Overall, very good, and I enjoyed it.
Jul 06, 2011
Holli
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I used this for Coffee Club and made a power point called "The 8 Best Ways to Care for Your Brain," based on Newberg's findings. I liked that their suggestions are easy, practical, and tested. The section on meditation and its benefits were especially interesting to me. I would recommend this book to anyone of a certain age who is interested in keeping his/her brain sharp.
Mar 06, 2010
Scott
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I have enjoyed this book, but it's more the effects physialogical effects caused by meditation. In truth I don't find any scientific evidence for the existence of God here. What he does provide is scientific evidence the "belief in God," is a good thing. Neuroscience validates Pascal's Wager!
Sep 30, 2010
Audrey
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Prayer and meditation turns on the part of our brain that loves and cooperates, and turns off the part of our brain where anger originates. It improves memory and mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
We are hard wired to search for God. Cool.
We are hard wired to search for God. Cool.
