The human brain is incredibly complex.
Christian and secular scholars alike affirm this fact, yet the traditional view of humanity as spiritual beings made in the image of God has come under increased pressure from humanistic and materialistic thinkers who deny that humans are anything more than their physical bodies. Christians have long affirmed that humans are spiritual beings made by God to know and fellowship with him, while the humanist position views humans as merely evolved animals.
Bradley Sickler provides a timely theological, scientific, and philosophical assessment of the human brain, highlighting the many ways in which the gospel informs the Christian understanding of cognitive science. Here is a book that provides a much-needed summary of the Bible’s teaching as it sheds light on the brain, with careful interaction with the claims of modern science, arguing that the Christian worldview offers the most compelling vision of the true nature of humanity.
208 pages
1. The Nature of Humans
2. Science and Christianity (1): The Conflict Thesis
3. Science and Christianity (2): Strangers or Friends?
4. Evolutionary Explanations for Belief in God
5. Is Everything Just Brain States?
6. Doing Away with the Soul
7. Mind-Body Interaction and Simplicity
8. The Question of Freedom
9. Reason, Science, and Morality
10. Reformed Epistemology and the Naturalness of Belief
General Index
Scripture Index
“A number of philosophers and scientists argue that humans are nothing more than their physical bodies, yet God on the Brain shows why this view lacks grounding. Compelling, eloquent, and accessible, this book upholds the case for a traditional view of humans as both physical and spiritual. I highly recommend Sickler’s volume to all who are interested in the intersection of neuroscience and philosophy with the Christian faith.”
Sharon Dirckx, Senior Tutor, Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics; author, Am I Just My Brain?
“This is a really great book! Brad Sickler is able to explain complex ideas in a readable, enjoyable style. Pulling from several academic disciplines, this book is full of new, refreshing, and insightful ideas. Sickler’s treatment of the relationship between science and religion is alone worth the price of the book. I highly recommend this treasure of learning.”
J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
God on the Brain: What Cognitive Science Does (and Does Not) Tell Us about Faith, Human Nature, and the Divine is in the following collections: