Newswise — The unprecedented show of compassion and altruism for the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami has begun to raise questions about the "selfish" nature of human beings. Kimberly Roots (Science & Theology News, Feb. 2005) explores the outpouring of generosity in times of crisis in terms of Richard Dawkins' 1976 work, The Selfish Gene. Also, Bookends this month includes an expanded book review section, including books on astrobiology, philosophy, the quest for truth and the spiritual meaning of visual art.
Also in this issue:
SPEAKING WELL OF THE DEADA recent study completed by University of Arkansas professor Jesse Bering found that people improve their opinions of the living after death. Mike Martin explores the survey results and the psychological reasons why we try not to speak ill of the dead.
REPLICATING RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCERecent attempts to stimulate the brain into having a religious experience have failed. Julia C. Keller looks at past efforts to activate the brain's "God spot" and talks to leading neuroscientists to determine why scientific research into religious experience is still necessary.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LASERAt 90 years old, Charles Townes continues to put his laser technology to new and increasingly more extensive use. Heather Wax speaks with the inventor about his childhood, his motivation, and the laser's future in exploring the cosmos.
SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR BUDDHIST MONKSThe Dalai Lama has encouraged monks to participate in workshops to learn aspects of modern science, especially neurology and physics. Geetinder Garewal reports from India on the program's progress, and the hesitation some monasteries feel about embracing Western science.
BOOK REVIEW: BRAIN & BELIEF: AN EXPLORATION OF THE HUMAN SOULIn our Spotlight review, Daniel Liechty reviews Brain & Belief: An Exploration of the Human Soul by John McGraw, which takes an existential look at the brain's contribution to the creation of the soul.
BOOKENDS FEATURE: RELIGIOUSNESS AND AGINGPaul Wink and Michele Dillon, husband-and-wife researchers, discuss their finding that religiousness increases later in life, but only after it decreases during the early adult years.
For these stories and more coverage of conferences, books and science-and-religion news, visit www.stnews.org. Sign up for one of our e-newsletters: E-News, our monthly headlines e-newsletter; Opportunities, our e-newsletter for grants, conferences and job openings in the science-and-religion field; or Bookends, our upcoming newsletter for additional book reviews, author profiles, staff recommendations and more.
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Science & Theology News is the monthly, international newspaper focusing on the cooperative relationship between science and religion. Every issue features science-and-religion research reports, interviews with respected scholars and reviews of influential books, and each article includes analysis of science and its correlation with spirituality. We also publish the most accurate and complete calendar of future events and conferences in the field. Founded in 2000 as Research News and Opportunities in Science & Theology and funded by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation, Science & Theology News has a circulation of more than 17,000 and an audience of both national and international readers. Visit us on the Web at http://www.stnews.org.
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