How God Works

The Science Behind the Benefits of Religion

By: David DeSteno

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Drawing on a wealth of new evidence, pioneering research psychologist David DeSteno shows why religious practices and rituals are so beneficial to those who follow them - and to anyone, regardless of their faith (or lack thereof).

Scientists are beginning to discover what believers have known for a long time: the rewards that a religious life can provide. For millennia, people have turned to priests, rabbis, imams, shamans, and others to help them deal with issues of grief and loss, birth and death, morality and meaning. In this absorbing work, DeSteno reveals how numerous religious practices from around the world improve emotional and physical well-being.

With empathy and rigor, DeSteno chronicles religious rites and traditions from cradle to grave. He explains how the Japanese rituals surrounding childbirth help strengthen parental bonds with children. He describes how the Apache Sunrise Ceremony makes teenage girls better able to face the rigors of womanhood. He shows how Buddhist meditation reduces hostility and increases compassion. He demonstrates how the Jewish practice of sitting shiva comforts the bereaved.

And much more.

DeSteno details how belief itself enhances physical and mental health. But you don’t need to be religious to benefit from the trove of wisdom that religion has to offer. Many items in religion’s “toolbox” can help the body and mind whether or not one believes. How God Works offers advice on how to incorporate many of these practices to help all of us live more meaningful, successful, and satisfying lives.

©2021 David DeSteno. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Great examples of religiosity

Different ways to think about things in both a historical and modern context. Make your spirituality you own.

Very Quick and Effective Lessons for Life

I was skeptical at first but quickly was impressed with the information and insight. The format was interesting and guided us on a jourmey from birth to death with grace and ingenuity.

A really good book!

A fascinating look at how psychology and religion work together and how religious practices help the human psyche.

Very well thought out and sticks to the facts

Very well thought out and sticks to the facts.
Walking the line between a scientific approach and religion is never easy and this author did it flawlessly

thought provoking

Lacks engaging stories, but the overall theories discussed are thought provoking. It makes me want to better understand how I approach faith, religion and how to raise my kids. It gives me hope to live a life without religion but have the benefits that many regions offer. I will have to read again to really absorb all that the book has to offer.

"Resesrch" sounds contrived

"Resesrch" sounds contrived. The research studies sounded like they chose their conclusions in advance and merely used confirmation bias.