Why God Won't go Away: Brain Science and the biology of Belief

by Andrew Newberg, Eugene D'Aquili, and Vince Rause

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New York: Ballantine/Random House 2001 216 pp 17pp refs $24.95

Newberg and D'Aquili studied four Tibetan Buddhists and four Franciscan nuns during meditation, using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. They identified parts of the brain that are more quiet during meditation. While this book is based on limited observations, the discussion ranges across a broad spectrum of neurophysiological and neuropsychological observations, with fascinating discussions on "neurospirituality."

This is an excellent beginning at identifying areas of the brain that appear to be involved with spiritual consciousness. The materialist interpretation will be that the brain is the source of spiritual awarenesses, while the spiritually aware will suggest that these areas of the brain are the body's "radios" that pick up the spiritual vibrations and translate them into conscious awareness.

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