Read Anywhere and on Any Device!

Subscribe to Read | $0.00

Join today and start reading your favorite books for Free!

Create Free Account

Thinking about Religion: Extending the Cognitive Science of Religion

Aaron C.T. Smith

4/5 ( ratings)

Thinking about Religion presents a case for an inter-disciplinary science of religion, proposing that religion operates as a kind of psychological and social placebo effect. Religious belief combines thought, feeling and experience in a way that leverages the natural tendency of the mind to latch on to socially and personally useful concepts. This effect delivers tangible benefits because religious concepts and practice feed the mind's natural drive to cling to strong beliefs. At the same time, beliefs are reinforced by favourable emotional responses. Thinking about Religion explains how these elements work together to make religious belief such a powerful placebo effect. Belief is the currency of thought, and religious belief offers a powerful return on investment. Religious activity concentrates the mind's capacity to hold ideas that effectively galvanize groups and cultivate belonging.

Pages: 272

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Release: April 08, 2014

ISBN: 1137324740

ISBN 13: 9781137324740

Thinking about Religion: Extending the Cognitive Science of Religion

Aaron C.T. Smith

4/5 ( ratings)

Thinking about Religion presents a case for an inter-disciplinary science of religion, proposing that religion operates as a kind of psychological and social placebo effect. Religious belief combines thought, feeling and experience in a way that leverages the natural tendency of the mind to latch on to socially and personally useful concepts. This effect delivers tangible benefits because religious concepts and practice feed the mind's natural drive to cling to strong beliefs. At the same time, beliefs are reinforced by favourable emotional responses. Thinking about Religion explains how these elements work together to make religious belief such a powerful placebo effect. Belief is the currency of thought, and religious belief offers a powerful return on investment. Religious activity concentrates the mind's capacity to hold ideas that effectively galvanize groups and cultivate belonging.

Pages: 272

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Release: April 08, 2014

ISBN: 1137324740

ISBN 13: 9781137324740

More books from Aaron C.T. Smith

Introduction to Sport Marketing

4.6/5 ( ratings)

Philosophies of Organizational Change

Cognitive Mechanisms of Belief Change

3.3/5 ( ratings)

Brand Fans: Lessons from the World's Greatest Sporting Brands

4.5/5 ( ratings)

The Sport Business Future

Rethinking Drug Use in Sport: Why the War Will Never Be Won

Organizational Culture and Identity: Sport, Symbols and Success

Australian Sport - Better by Design?: The Evolution of Australian Sport Policy

Introduction to Sport Marketing (Sport Management Series)

Reinventing Innovation: Designing the Dual Organization

Sport Management: Principles and Application

Sport Branding Insights

Fostering Innovative Cultures in Sport: Leadership, Innovation and Change

Rate this book!

Write a review?