How We Believe

An updated exploration of the latest scientific research on how the brain makes us believers or skeptics.

“[Shermer] is uniquely equipped to carry out this comprehensive analysis of the nature of belief. . . . Insightful, intriguing, and enlightening.” —American Scientist

In this scientific investigation of God and faith, bestselling author and Scientific American columnist Michael Shermer offers fresh insights into the inner workings of the mind, examining how and why humans create religious laws, turn to apocalyptic myths, and negotiate compromises between science and religion. Drawing on studies in psychiatry, neuroscience, and epidemiology, he explores such phenomena as out-of-body experiences, miraculous coincidences, and extrasensory perception.

Whether believers or nonbelievers, we are all driven by the need to understand the universe and our place in it. How We Believe is a provocative scientific tour of this ancient and mysterious desire.

“Ranges eloquently and learnedly over broad areas of philosophy, theology, and science [to] answer ‘the God question.’” —Scientific American

“Unusually useful.” —The Washington Post Book World

“Brilliantly explores our propensity to be story-telling animals.” —Natural History