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For the modern world, it seems as if sexuality and spirituality have always been at odds. But what if the two are actually deeply connected? And what if science could prove this connection?
From neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, Sex, God, and the Brain argues that our religious and spiritual experiences derive directly from our sexual being. While others have speculated on a connection between religion and sex, Newberg is the first to demonstrate—with groundbreaking brain scan research gained through Orgasmic Meditation studies—that the underlying biological mechanism of religious, spiritual, and sexual experiences are identical.
With research technical enough for academics, but explained simply enough for the everyday reader, Sex, God, and the Brain, will reframe our understanding of the link between spirituality and sexuality.
"Newberg's innovation is matched by his scientific precision to evoke a compelling inquiry, as he allows research to kick-open a door hitherto sealed by societal norms. Hold on tight! You are in the seat of a fearless, brilliant investigator." —Lisa Miller, PhD, Columbia University professor and bestselling author, The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life
“Groundbreaking work on understanding the fundamental link between sexuality and spirituality, and essential reading for understanding how and why sexuality is so important for our spiritual well-being. Newberg makes complex research readable and fun for everyone and helps show how our brain is the connection between the spiritual and biological self. Respecting both science and the spiritual, this book is an instant classic.” —Sara Gottfried, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of The Hormone Cure
“Newberg’s book deftly interweaves neurobiology, theology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, sexuality, and history to explore the very essence of the human experience. Dichotomously in-depth but digestible, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand how religion and sexuality interplay with the evolution of human society.” —Billicent “Billy” San Juan, PsyD, Author and Educator“In Sex, God, and the Brain, Dr. Newberg presents a highly-readable and compelling exploration of human identity and experience, grounded in evolutionary context and leading-edge research. I haven't been able to stop thinking about the world-changing and paradigm-shifting potential its thesis presents, and the profound implications it could hold across disciplines.” —Ashley Myhre, Clinical Sexologist, Therapist, and EducatorDr. Newberg has published over two hundred articles, essays and book chapters. He is the author or co-author of eight books including the bestselling How God Changes Your Brain (Ballantine, 2009) and Why God Won’t Go Away (Ballantine, 2001). He has presented his work at scientific and religious meetings throughout the world and has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, ABC’s World News Tonight, Book TV, National Public Radio, Fresh Air, London Talk Radio, the Discovery Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, National Public Radio, and the nationally distributed movies, “What the Bleep Do We Know?” and Bill Maher’s movie “Religulous.” His work has been written about in the Los Angeles Times, Time, Newsweek, Discover Magazine, Reader’s Digest, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
Prologue: Sex and God
PART I: The Foundation
Chapter 1. In the Beginning…
Chapter 2. Rhythms and Rituals: What’s A Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This?
Chapter 3. Myths and Sexuality
Chapter 4. Sexual Ecstasy and Spiritual Ecstasy
PART II: The Connection Between Sex, Spirituality, and Science
Chapter 5. Orgasmic Meditation: Making the Connection
Chapter 6. God Molecules and Sex Molecules
Chapter 7. The Spiritual Brain on Drugs
PART III: The Impact of the Connection—Good and Bad
Chapter 8. Sexual and Spiritual Addictions
Chapter 9. Psychology, Sexuality, and God
Chapter 10. The Dark Side of Sexuality and Religion
Chapter 11. Sexuality, Religion, and Violence
Chapter 12. Sexuality and the Development of Morality
Chapter 13. Compassion, Sex, and the Brain
Chapter 14. Male and Female Spirituality
Epilogue: Is Religion Afraid of Sex? And Should It Be?