ABSTRACT

Where does science end and religion begin? Can "spiritual" images and feelings be understood on a neurobiological level without dismissing their power and mystery?

In this book, psychiatrist Erik Goodwyn addresses these questions by reviewing decades of research, putting together a compelling argument that the emotional imagery of myth and dreams can be traced to our deep brain physiology, and importantly, how a sensitive look at this data reveals why mythic or religious symbols are indeed more "godlike" than we might have imagined. 

The Neurobiology of the Gods weaves together Jungian depth psychology with research in evolutionary psychology, neuroanatomy, cognitive science, neuroscience, anthropology, mental imagery, dream research, and metaphor theory into a comprehensive model of how our brains contribute to the recurrent images of dreams, myth, religion and even hallucinations. Divided into three sections, this book provides:

  • definitions and foundations
  • an examination of individual symbols
  • conclusive thoughts on how brain physiology shapes the recurring images that we experience.

Goodwyn shows how common dream, myth and religious experiences can be meaningful and purposeful without discarding scientific rigor. The Neurobiology of the Gods will therefore be essential reading for Jungian analysts and psychologists as well as those with an interest in philosophy, anthropology and the interface between science and religion.

part 1|57 pages

Definitions and foundations

chapter Chapter 1|8 pages

Symbols, biology and depth psychology

chapter Chapter 2|17 pages

Foundations

part 2|104 pages

Individual symbols

chapter Chapter 4|27 pages

Human and animal spirits

chapter Chapter 5|8 pages

The anima/feminine symbols

chapter Chapter 6|5 pages

The animus/masculine symbols

chapter Chapter 7|6 pages

The mother

chapter Chapter 8|6 pages

The father

chapter Chapter 9|5 pages

The child

chapter Chapter 10|7 pages

The shadow

chapter Chapter 11|19 pages

The dreamscape

chapter Chapter 12|9 pages

Deep archetypes – time, number, causation

chapter Chapter 13|10 pages

Complex recurrent symbols and self symbols

part 3|39 pages

Conclusions

chapter Chapter 14|25 pages

Meaning

chapter Chapter 15|12 pages

Molecules to mandalas