Drawing on scientific research and logical argument James Jones directly confronts the claims that cognitive science can eliminate, or debunk, religion. He provides an accessibly written, persuasive account of why these claims are not convincing.

Acknowledgements ; Introduction: A Voice from the Border of Religion and Science ; Chapter One: Explanations -How Science Seeks to Explain Religion ; Chapter Two: Explaining-What does it Mean to Explain Religion? ; Chapter Three: Physicalism-Is a Purely Physicalist Account Compelling? ; Chapter Four: Beyond Physicalism-Mind and Nature ; Chapter Five: Our Pluralistic Universe - Living on the Border of Science and Religion ; Appendix: Sources, References, and Further Discussions ; Bibliography of Sources Used In Preparing the Text

"[T]his volume will be useful to students and scholars alike interested in deepening their engagement with the field of cognitive approaches to religion and will be a useful addition to course or module materials for students studying in this area."-Paul-François Tremlett, Religion "This is a tour de force. Jones takes the reader through the full range of debates concerning the use and abuse of cognitive science with respect to religion, displaying both expertise and panache. His unique perspective comes from his work as a clinical psychologist. He calls the different parties to take responsibility for their abstract theories in an argument that is both compelling and morally serious." --Timothy Jenkins, Reader in Anthropology and Religion, University of Cambridge "Few scholars are better suited than James W. Jones to explore the new frontiers of science and religion. He brings philosophical acumen, psychotherapeutic experience, and spiritual sensitivity to bear on the question of what, if anything, new findings in brain-mind science can tell us about religious beliefs and practices. A necessary book for anyone interested in the future of scientific approaches to religion." --Kelly Bulkeley, author of The Wondering Brain: Thinking about Religion With and Beyond Cognitive Neuroscience "This stimulating book on the attempts of cognitive science to explain away religion has the virtue of being fair-minded and comprehensive, without the too-common fault of being boring. Bringing together a knowledge of contemporary science and a sympathy for religion, there is much of value to both believers and those who doubt. It may not be, as the author rather hopes, the last word on the subject. But it is certainly much more than the first word." --Michael Ruse, author of Atheism: What Everyone Needs to Know

Selling point: Uses scientific research and logical argument to show that the "New Atheists" and their cohort are misguided in using cognitive science to try to undermine religion Selling point: Counters the claim that atheism is more rational and truer to science than religious belief

James W. Jones is Distinguished Professor of Religion at Rutgers University. He is the author of fifteen books and numerous professional papers, and the editor of several volumes of collected papers dealing with religion, psychology, and science. He serves on the editorial boards of several publications. He is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church USA and has maintained a private practice of clinical psychology, specializing in psychophysiology and behavioral medicine.

Selling point: Uses scientific research and logical argument to show that the "New Atheists" and their cohort are misguided in using cognitive science to try to undermine religion Selling point: Counters the claim that atheism is more rational and truer to science than religious belief