The cognitive science of religion is a new discipline that looks at the roots of religious belief in the cognitive architecture of the human mind. This book deals with the philosophical and theological implications of the cognitive science of religion which grounds religious belief in human cognitive structures: religious belief is 'natural'.

The cognitive science of religion is a new discipline that looks at the roots of religious belief in the cognitive architecture of the human mind. This book deals with the philosophical and theological implications of the cognitive science of religion which grounds religious belief in human cognitive structures: religious belief is 'natural', in a way that even scientific thought is not. Philosophers and theologians from North America, UK and Australia, explore the alleged conflict between truth claims and examine the roots of religion in human nature.

'These are accomplished, provocative essays ... Recommended.' - Choice 'An outstanding set of authoritative essays, essential reading for all who are interested in the nature of religion.' - Keith Ward, Christ Church, Oxford, UK "The strength of this book is in offering something of a preview of how research coming out of CSR might be received by scholars working in various areas of religious studies. It is valid to assume that some scholars will, based on their individual interests, fear or hope for a "conclusive case against a religious world-view." The Roots of Religion offers the revelation that these individual hopes or fears add up to collective concern over the implications of integrating cognitive (and evolutionary) science into religious studies. Barrett and Trigg offer an exploration then not of the cognitive science of religion, but the reception of it. Considering Teehan's observation that "contemporary cognitive science, grounded in an evolutionary perspective, 'shakes the foundations' of religious belief in a more profound way than evolutionary theory has done so far" (167) The Roots of Religion is particularly valuable for scholars concerned with what will someday be considered the early reception history of the cognitive science of religion." - Edward N. Surman, Claremont Graduate University