Sex, God, and the Brain

Andrew Newberg is Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical College. Dr. Newberg has been particularly involved in the study of mystical and religious experiences throughout his career, in addition to the use of neuroimaging studies in the evaluation of neurological and psychiatric disorders. He is considered a pioneer in the field of neurotheology which seeks to link neuroscience with religious and spiritual experience. Dr. 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.

“This book is so much fun. Sex, God, and the Brain examines groundbreaking research to turn common perceptions about sexuality and spirituality on its head. A must-read for anyone looking to better understand the profound relationship between sex and religion. Well-researched and deeply insightful.” —Daniel Amen, New York Times bestselling author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life"Rigorous science wildly upends conventional thought. Here Dr Andrew Newberg creates a highly scholarly and evocative new scientific paradigm, that compels reexamination of our foundational human nature. He asks what might be the paths to awakening human perception of the unitive reality? How do different people arrive to this awareness, and is it really the same awareness? Do these paths intertwine, do they work, and if so, how?"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 Educator

• Prologue: Sex and GodPART I: The FoundationChapter 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 SexualityChapter 4. Sexual Ecstasy and Spiritual EcstasyPART II: The Connection Between Sex, Spirituality, and ScienceChapter 5. Orgasmic Meditation: Making the ConnectionChapter 6. God Molecules and Sex MoleculesChapter 7. The Spiritual Brain on DrugsPART III: The Impact of the Connection—Good and BadChapter 8. Sexual and Spiritual AddictionsChapter 9. Psychology, Sexuality, and GodChapter 10. The Dark Side of Sexuality and ReligionChapter 11. Sexuality, Religion, and ViolenceChapter 12. Sexuality and the Development of MoralityChapter 13. Compassion, Sex, and the BrainChapter 14. Male and Female SpiritualityEpilogue: Is Religion Afraid of Sex? And Should It Be?