Varieties of Spiritual Experience

A cutting-edge guide to the psychology and neuroscience of spiritual experiences Spiritual experiences have occurred within people around the world and throughout history, up to and including the present day. The founders of every major religion described them, philosophers since antiquity have pondered them, and according to recent polls, about 30% of people still report them. A century ago, philosopher and psychologist William James famously analyzed accounts of these experiences and raised questions for future scientific study. What triggers these events? How are thebrain and body affected? How do these brief moments have such lasting effects? Now, modern science has some answers. This book invites readers into contemporary psychology and neuroscience laboratories around the world to learn about these elusive yet profound inner events. As it explores phenomena ranging from divine revelations to paranormal experiences to life-changing experiences of unity, findings from modern science are illustrated with a diverse set of personal accounts from believers and non-believers alike, plunging readers into deeply personal and sometimes transformative moments. Written by tworenowned scientists in the field, this book is a deep exploration of the psychology and neuroscience of a range of profoundly meaningful experiences.

Their [Yaden and Newberg] sensible and sensitive work should sit comfortably on the shelf next to James's., The most important book on the science of religion in my lifetime., If you have the slightest curiosity about the spiritual dimensions of life and death, and if you value an approach that explores the outer reaches of mystical experience, yet never pretends to know what we don't yet know, this is the book for you., This comprehensive and much needed book covers the latest science of psychedelics, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness in general. You will learn about the most cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience on these mental states while reading personal stories from people who have been fundamentally transformed by their visits to some of the most fascinating depths of human experience. I highly recommend this groundbreaking book!, What David Yaden and Andrew Newberg have done through their painstaking research is to provide the world with a 21st Century James. Like James, they are respectful of their subjects' experiences and careful not to pronounce judgments on the psychological and numinous worlds they inhabit. This book will become a classic.

David B. Yaden, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research focus is on how brief inner experiences, or 'altered states of consciousness,' can have long-term positive impacts. He currently studies the subjective effects and treatment potential of psychedelics. His work has been featured in outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall StreetJournal, The Atlantic, CNN, NPR, BBC, and The New York Times.Andrew B. Newberg, MD is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University. He has published 12 books which have been translated into 17 different languages, including the best-selling books: How God Changes Your Brain and Why God Won't Go Away. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, CNN,and others. His work has also been featured in outlets such as Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, Discover, and The New York Times.