Fingerprints of God: The Search for the Science of Spirituality Audiobook

" Good book, a little bit chewy, but informative. "

" This book was fascinating about the connections of spiritual experiences and how they effect the brain. I didn't finish it, but I would like to sometime. "

" I heard the author speak. She was better in person. "

" I had a mixed reaction to this book. The writing style seemed superficial and simplistic. More a narrative than a synthesis. It did highlight some interesting research into the neuroscience of spirituality. Maybe some of my ambivalence comes from the discomfort of not wanting to reduce spiritual experience to the material. Maybe it shouldn't be scientifically explained. "

" Did you ever wonder why the notion of God has been a central element in the culture of zillions of people from different epochs across the globe. Well, Hagarty has some interesting answers or at least she presents some interesting possibilities. Most interesting might be her discussions of how we seem to be wired for belief in something bigger than the world we experience. Hagarty's combination of recent scientific research with stories that flesh out the data makes for an absorbing book. "

" This was compelling, but another weird example of radio writers not being able to write for print. The chapters read as somewhat longer radio stories, too disconnected from one another to feel consistent. Still, a smart look at really interesting research. "

" My friend lent this to me on cd. While I found her anecdotal descriptions of people's mystical/religious experiences tiring, I sort of understand there's really no other way to write this kind of book without these stories. I enjoyed when she talked to the author who wrote _The God Gene_ and other scientists. I also thought it was interesting to learn about the people who were conducting scientific research in this area (like on out of body experiences, etc). She touched on varied and interesting subjects; from local mind and to the idea that people who report visions or spiritual epiphanies really just might be having a temporal lobe seizures. I do agree with other critics that she was not that impartial in writing this book and I think that is the book's major negative aspect. She was definitely looking for facts to back up her belief in a god that takes all comers and that is her essential conclusion. Still, an interesting read and probably essential for people who are interested in the intersection of religion and science in the United States. "

" I think I was expecting too much from this author... so I was disappointed, I know many others who enjoyed it. "

" An interesting look at the intersection between science and spirituality; it became irritating when Hagerty tried to find scientific proof that God does or doesn't exist. To use Karen Armstrong's metaphor, that's like trying to eat soup with a fork. "

" This was a good introduction to the science that is being done relating the brain and spiritual experiences. I would have liked more indepth discussions of some topics but overall, I enjoyed it. "

" A father's day gift from my wonderful daughter "

" Really enjoying it so far -- trying to read slowly. "

" With the mind of a fine journalist and science writer and the eye of an artist, Barbara Bradley Hagerty takes you through her own journey toward a better understanding of how modern science can exist in harmony with religious belief. I wish there were more books like this out there. "

" Just started this one, and cannot stop. Hargerty is the religion reporter for NPR. A ton of stuff here that speaks to me. "

" I love the stories, love the writing, but in the end, all Barbara can really say is you can have faith if you want it - science can't prove or disprove God yet. "

" REALLY interesting. Gives you a lot to think about. I love these books about brains. What an amazing contraption! "

" A very hard read with very interesting information on brain research. If you have lots of extra time on your hands... "

" The author, a reporter by trade and a Christian Scientist in her early life, digs into the complex relationship between science and spirituality. Beautiful memoir filled with research and the experiences of others. "

" Interesting, challenging. Particularly enjoyed her honesty about her own spiritual life and expereinces; she presents both sides of the argument. "

" There is an increasing number of phenomenon, such as spontaneous mystical experiences, certain temporal lobe seizures, meditation, near death experiences and experiments showing the connection of couples over a distance that are challenging the materialistic paradigm. "

" I love the stories, love the writing, but in the end, all Barbara can really say is you can have faith if you want it - science can't prove or disprove God yet. "

" A very hard read with very interesting information on brain research. If you have lots of extra time on your hands... "

" Not too scientific a read for a non-science person. Thoughtful, interesting, and her conclusion is especially beautifully written. "

" A father's day gift from my wonderful daughter "

" Easy read looking at science and spiritual experience. Left me with some questions. "

" I think I was expecting too much from this author... so I was disappointed, I know many others who enjoyed it. "

" So far this book has made me think. When I began reading it I figured it would be very similar to The Reason for God, but instead Barbara takes a more scientific and psychological approach. It's very enlightening. "

" I heard the author speak. She was better in person. "