Beliefs are based on four key components, which are deeply interconnected and all intersect in the workings of the human brain, which enables us to have all of our beliefs.

Beliefs can have different effects on our mind and body. One of the most important aspects of why beliefs can be constructive or destructive depends on whether they are exclusionary of other perspectives and how strongly they are held.

Research indicates that our only way of comprehending God, asking questions about God, and experiencing God is through the brain.

Religious and spiritual experiences seem far too rich and diverse to derive solely from one part of the brain. It is much more likely that many parts of the brain are involved.

The temporal lobe must interact with many other parts of the brain to provide the full range of religious and spiritual experiences.

While studies have clearly shown a relationship between religious experiences and various brain disorders, there are several reasons why this association cannot be the only answer.

Neuroscience cannot answer the question of purposeful design. However, what we can say is that the brain has two primary functions that can be considered from either a biological or evolutionary perspective. The brain performs both of these functions throughout our lives. It turns out that religion also performs these two same functions.

The main reason God won't go away is because our brains won't allow God to leave.

Our studies, as well as those of other investigators, have shown that meditation increases activity in the front part of the brain and decreases activity in the area of the brain that orients our bodies in space.

We have found subtle differences in the baseline state of the brain in our Tibetan meditators.

By understanding how the brain works during certain religious experiences and practices, we can begin to understand how religion affects psychological and physical health.