Human Interaction with the Divine the Sacred and the Deceased

<p>Human Interaction with the Divine the Sacred and the Deceased brings together cutting-edge empirical and theoretical contributions from scholars in fields including psychology theology ethics neuroscience medicine and philosophy to examine how and why humans engage in or even seek spiritual experiences and connection with the immaterial world. In this richly interdisciplinary volume Plante and Schwartz recognize human interaction with the divine and departed as a cross-cultural and historical universal that continues to concern diverse disciplines. Accounting for variances in belief and human perception and use the book is divided into four major sections: personal experience; theological consideration; medical technological and scientific considerations; and psychological considerations with chapters addressing phenomena including prayer reincarnation sensed presence and divine revelations. Featuring scholars specializing in theology psychology medicine neuroscience and ethics this book provides a thoughtful compelling evidence-based and contemporary approach to gain a grounded perspective on current understandings of human interaction with the divine the sacred and the deceased. Of interest to believers questioners and unbelievers alike this volume will be key reading for researchers scholars and academics engaged in the fields of religion and psychology social psychology behavioral neuroscience and health psychology. Readers with a broader interest in spiritualism religious and non-religious movements will also find the text of interest.</p>