Stacey Campbell's Reviews > God's Brain

** spoiler alert ** I expected this book to be more in-depth, overall. I expected further discussion of issues that examined religion in a scientific light. The chapter "Is Religion Monkey Business?" which discussed the similarities and differences between humans and chimpanzees in relation to relationships, social orders, and "religious" behaviors, and the content on the effect of religion on brain chemicals, were examples of the content I had been anticipating. At times, I found this read difficult to become engaged in. The authors seemed to have the chapters outlined and organized in a progressive manner, but continuously referred to something "that will be discussed in the next chapter" or "as we have mentioned," which made the reading a bit choppy. And the word "ubiquitous" is... everywhere in this book!
I appreciated the simple and comprehensive language the authors used for a complex subject such as brain function and anatomy. Many examples and anecdotes were provided throughout the book. The authors examined many different topics, with an emphasis on so-called "brainsoothing" (the process of subduing stress through eg: religion, due to the human brain's natural tendency to keep an even, happy balance in life). The author's neutral stance on religious belief was honest and appropriate.
A fairly enjoyable read, with a few interesting points to take home. I found the attempts at humor to be slightly painful at times.