So why do humans continue to search for, believe in, and worship mysterious invisible beings? Why haven’t the mind-boggling advances of science led to incontrovertible Truth? Does God exist, or is it all in our minds?

As Newberg points out, we must first make a clear distinction between the mind and the brain. Beginning with a brief introduction to brain biology (explained in a way that non-scientists can understand), he describes a few of the experiments conducted to determine just how the brain and the mind work together. While the results show clearly what the brain is doing during prayer or meditation, the mystery that remains is this: why are the same results of scientific study interpreted by devout worshippers as proof of communion with God and by atheists as proof that God is a figment of the imagination?

What exactly is belief? Is it biological or psychological? How does belief affect the brain and the mind? And if, as Newberg suggests, our brains reject any facts that aren’t in accord with the beliefs we already hold, how can we trust our interpretation of any results, experiences, or beliefs we encounter?

It doesn’t get any better than this for those of us who enjoy pondering where the circle ends and begins, but I suspect the hard-science community must be driven mad by the new questions that such research delivers. Clearly this is a topic that can only be outlined in a four-hour lecture. It’s equally clear that there can be no definitive answer to the question ‘Did God create us or did we create God?’

In spite of the impossibility of resolution, God and The Brain is a fascinating and entertaining presentation. Touching on the development of cultural and social beliefs, ethical and moral beliefs, and religious and spiritual beliefs, Newberg’s fast-paced lecture is packed with relevant and revelatory anecdotes and information. The beliefs we already hold will affect what we learn from this audio, which pieces of information we retain, and how we apply them, but God and The Brain can certainly give us a better understanding of ourselves and others, and of how we interact with and influence those around us.