Why We Believe What We Believe

Pastor Jim McDonald will lead a discussion of Why We Believe What We Believe, by Andrew Newberg and Mark Waldman. Newberg and Waldman study the origin of beliefs and their connection to the biology of the brain. Newberg argues that we are "biologically driven to find meaning and wholeness throughout our lives" and that our belief systems, as well as providing us with a moral framework, also have a profound effect on healing our bodies and minds. Newberg does not believe that neuroscience can say whether God exists or not, but he does believe that it is important to understand how religious experience is "hard-wired into the human brain."

In preparation for a two-day workshop that Andrew Newberg will be leading at First United in September, everyone is invited to join in an all-church read of this stimulating book. It can be purchased online or in book stores, or you can ask the church office to purchase a copy for you.