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This book explores scientific breakthroughs on spiritual experiences from the fields of psychology and neuroscience, beginning with an account of William James's foundational work before turning to cutting-edge research using neuroimaging, psychedelics, and large surveys. Illustrated with examples of spiritual experiences drawn from a diverse set of personal accounts, this book provides the basis for a scientifically informed contemporary understanding of these mysterious and deeply meaningful moments.
List of contents
- PART I: THE SCIENCE OF ALTERED STATES
- Chapter 1: Introduction: Toward a Science of Spiritual Experience for the 21st Century
- Chapter 2: William James: A Study in Human Nature
- Chapter 3: The Varieties: The Classic Text and its Impact
- Chapter 4: The Psychology of Spiritual Experiences
- Chapter 5: The Brain on Spiritual Experiences
- Chapter 6: Origins: Triggers of Spiritual Experience
- Chapter 7: The Pragmatic Principle: Positive and Pathological Experiences
- PART II: THE VARIETIES
- Chapter 8: Types of Spiritual Experience
- Chapter 9: Numinous Experiences: Encountering Divinity
- Chapter 10: Revelatory Experiences: Voices, Visions, and Epiphanies
- Chapter 11: Synchronicity Experiences: "Everything happens for a reason"
- Chapter 12: Mystical Experiences: Unity and Ego-Dissolution
- Chapter 13: Aesthetic Experiences: Awe and the Sublime
- Chapter 14: Paranormal Experiences: Ghosts, Angels, and Other Entities
- PART III: CONSIDERATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
- Chapter 15: Interpretations and Integration of the Experience
- Chapter 16: Beliefs Reprise: Philosophical Reflections
- Chapter 17: Transformations
- Chapter 18: Clinical Applications
- Chapter 19: Consciousness and Altered States
- Chapter 20: Conclusion: Ever not Quite
About the author
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 Street Journal, 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.
