Books From University Presses

If you're intrigued by the intersection of cosmic history and spiritual consciousness, "The New Cosmic Story" might stir your curiosity. John F. Haught invites you on an intellectual journey that weaves together the unfolding narrative of the cosmos with the emergent qualities of interior life and religious experience. It's a perspective that challenges the often secular narrative of the universe's history, adding depth to the cosmic tale.

Seminal nineteenth-century thinkers predicted that religion would gradually fade in importance with the emergence of industrial society. The belief that religion was dying became the conventional wisdom in the social sciences during most of the twentieth century. The traditional secularization thesis needs updating, however, religion has not disappeared and is unlikely to do so. Nevertheless, the concept of secularization captures an important part of what is going on. This book develops a theory of existential security. It demonstrates that the publics of virtually all advanced industrial societies have been moving toward more secular orientations during the past half century, but also that the world as a whole now has more people with traditional religious views than ever before. This second edition expands the theory and provides new and updated evidence from a broad perspective and in a wide range of countries. This confirms that religiosity persists most strongly among vulnerable populations, especially in poorer nations and in failed states. Conversely, a systematic erosion of religious practices, values, and beliefs has occurred among the more prosperous strata in rich nations.

If you're feeling skeptical about the explanations science offers for consciousness and existence, "Mind and Cosmos" by Thomas Nagel might just validate your doubts. Nagel presents a compelling argument against a strictly materialistic view of the universe—one that's rooted in philosophy rather than empirical science. It's a thought-provoking read that may change how you see the relationship between your mind and the cosmos.

If you find yourself fascinated by the constantly blurred lines between scientific discovery and the allure of pseudoscience, "The Borderlands of Science" might just be the book to help you navigate this tricky terrain. Shermer's incisive analysis offers tools to discern real breakthroughs from enticing but unsubstantiated claims, drawing on examples that span from the cosmos to Big Foot. This enlightening journey could help ground your understanding in a world brimming with both wonders and wild theories.

This book could be a good read for someone curious about humanism and its role in today's society. Stephen Law explores the concept in a concise and accessible manner, debunking common misconceptions and showing how humanism uses science and reason to make sense of the world. Through his exploration of the arguments for and against the existence of God, Law highlights how humanism offers a positive alternative to traditional religious belief, emphasizing individual moral responsibility and the possibility of finding meaning in life without relying on religion.