Poundcake - Shop now
FREE Returns
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist Paperback – March 23, 2010


Purchase options and add-ons

God is great—for your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Based on new evidence culled from brain-scan studies, a wide-reaching survey of people’s religious and spiritual experiences, and the authors’ analyses of adult drawings of God, neuroscientist Andrew Newberg and therapist Mark Robert Waldman offer the following breakthrough discoveries:
 
• Not only do prayer and spiritual practice reduce stress, but just twelve minutes of meditation per day may slow down the aging process.
• Contemplating a loving God rather than a punitive God reduces anxiety and depression and increases feelings of security, compassion, and love.
• Fundamentalism, in and of itself, can be personally beneficial, but the prejudice generated by extreme beliefs can permanently damage your brain.
• Intense prayer and meditation permanently change numerous structures and functions in the brain, altering your values and the way you perceive reality.

Both a revelatory work of modern science and a practical guide for readers to enhance their physical and emotional health,
How God Changes Your Brain is a first-of-a-kind book about faith that is as credible as it is inspiring.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

Michael Gerson praises Newberg's fresh take on a classic debate

Herbert Benson praises book on spirituality's impact on brain function

Daniel Amen describes book linking spirituality and neuroscience

Editorial Reviews

Review

"To this musty debate, Newberg, perhaps America's leading expert on the neurological basis of religion, brings a fresh perspective. His new book summarizes several years of groundbreaking research on the biological basis of religious experience. And it offers plenty to challenge skeptics and believers alike."--Michael Gerson's editorial dedicated to the book for The Washington Post

"The authors present an elaborate, engaging meditation program to reduce anger and fear and increase serenity and love. They embrace faith (not necessarily religious), diversity, tolerance, and "compassionate communication. . . . A substantial advance in the self-help/spirituality genre and an excellent choice for general collections."--Library Journal

"Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman give us a magnificent, comprehensive explanation of how spiritual beliefs and experiences enhance changes in our brains and yield better health and well-being. They bring science and religion closer together."--Herbert Benson, M.D., author of
The Relaxation Response

"How God Changes Your Brain is a highly practical, easy-to-read guide on the interface between spirituality and neuroscience, filled with useful information that can make your brain and your life better, starting today!"--Daniel G. Amen, M.D. author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

"Not since William James's
The Varieties of Religious Experience has there been a work that so exquisitely integrates science and spirituality. Newberg and Waldman have written a book that is wise, up-to-date, scholarly, mature, and imaginative. At the same time it is a down-to-earth work that will surely inspire repeated readings."--George Vaillant, M.D., author of Spiritual Evolution

"How God Changes Your Brain boldly explores the relationship between the structure of our brains and our ability not only to experience but to cultivate innate compassion and deep inner peace." --Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D., author of My Stroke of Insight

"The authors present an illuminating and encouraging view of the inner and outer workings of our neurological perception of reality and how profoundly it is affected by our spiritual practices. Their practical exercises for a brain tune-up are revolutionary, and I'm enjoying immensely including them in my daily spiritual regime." --Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation

"Stimulating and provocative. . . .The authors conclude that meditation and other spiritual practices permanently strengthen neural functioning in specific parts of the brain that aid in lowering anxiety and depression, enhancing social awareness and empathy, and improving cognitive functioning.. . . this forceful study could stir controversy among scientists and philosophers."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Andrew Newberg, M.D., is the director of the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. He is one of the founders of the new interdisciplinary field called neurotheology. He is an associate professor in the department of radiology, with secondary appointments in the departments of psychiatry and religious studies, at the University of Pennsylvania. His work has been featured on Good Morning America, Nightline, Discovery Channel, BBC, NPR, and National Geographic Television. He is the co-author of Why God Won&;t Go Away, Born to Believe, and The Mystical Mind.

Mark Robert Waldman is an associate fellow at the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a therapist, the author or co-author of ten books, including
Born to Believe (with Andrew Newberg), and was the founding editor of Transpersonal Review. He lectures throughout the country on neuroscience, religion, and spirituality and conducts research with numerous religious and secular groups. His work has been featured in dozens of newspapers and magazines and on syndicated radio programs.

Product details

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2025
    The first few chapters were a bit of a struggle to get through the medical terminology but overall an interesting and informative read. I was glad I stuck with it all the way through. It was very informational and gave helpful explanations of things to do to help heal your brain especially if you've had a lot of trauma in your life. It's amazing how God created the brain to function!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2012
    Twelve minutes of meditation or prayer a day will increase blood flow to your frontal lobes. Keep at it for as little as eight weeks and you will "take charge of your life," "more easily accomplish your goals," and live in more "loving and compassionate ways." This works even if you don't contemplate God. The meditation can be religious or secular.

    How God Changes the Brain isn't entirely about God (I'll describe the parts that are about God at the end.) It's about attention. The authors have conducted numerous studies on how paying attention to the virtues often associated with religion--love, joy, optimism and hope--changes brain chemistry. "[I]t counteracts our biological propensity to react to dangerous situations with animosity or fear," the authors write. The benefits are too numerous to list: less likelihood of depression, slowdown of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and stronger memory. Kids miss less school and don't get into trouble as often. Your risk of death goes down 35 percent.

    35 percent! Who wouldn't buy a prescription to extend your life by 5 to 10 years? And every strategy in this book is free. Yes, the authors recommend DVDs and CDs in the appendices, but all the practices can be done without those.

    My favorite meditation was Kirtan Kriya. You sit and chant four syllables, while moving your thumb across your four fingers with each syllable. The four syllables could be "sa-ta-na-ma," which is traditional, but it also could "peace, love, hope, and joy." Anything that gets you in a compassionate frame of mind.

    The candle meditation was new to me as well. "Bring your focus to the flame. Let it fill your entire consciousness as you observe how it dances and flutters. What colors does it make? Does the flame grow taller, then retreat? Keep watching all of the qualities of the flame for three or four minutes."

    Here's a method for adding centeredness and compassion to conversation: "Bringing meditation into any conversation is surprisingly simple. All you have to do is maintain consistent eye contact and stay physically relaxed and mindful of your responses as you participate in a flow of spontaneous conversation. You say a few sentences slowly, then return to your breathing awareness while the other person responds. The unstructured conversation that follows will quickly move into surprisingly intimate areas. And, like the walking meditation we discussed in the previous chapter, the more you practice, the easier it becomes."

    The authors are big on yawning. You might be too after reading about all the benefits of yawning on a regular basis, even consciously.

    Finally, back to religion: The most explicitly religious portion of the book discusses the differences between different understandings of God. There is the authoritarian God, the critical God, and the distant God. About 72 percent of Americans believe in one of these three. "[O]nly 23 percent see God as gentle, forgiving, and less likely to respond with wrath." The authors strongly encourage us to embrace the latter God. Doing so is how we can tame our "selfish brain." "The more compassionate we become," they write, "the more generous those around us become. And when we perceive others as being sensitive to our needs, our brains respond with greater generosity, a condition known as reciprocal altruism." Even they admit, however, that their views are unlikely to be convincing to a "true believer." That truth, unfortunately, is what is preventing many from embracing religion, despite the benefits recounted in this book.
    96 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Fascinating read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2022
    “How God Changes Your Brain” is a book written with honest and good intentions. The authors want the world to be more peaceful and loving. However it seems to me that the authors are saying that we can't rely on the Bible to teach us about who God really is and that is a pity because God is complex, holy, loving and beautiful all at once. If we throw out the biblical God, we also throw out all of Jesus' teachings about love and compassion – which actually the authors are basing some of their ideas on.

    This book does make some good points about constructive dialogue which may bring more peace into personal relationships. We do need more of that in the world so we can all get along. There is a lot of discussion about meditation but I would only recommend non religious yoga and non religious meditation. And those can be difficult to find. I have found some Christian meditation which was good.

    The authors of this book seem to also indicate what spiritual people have known all along – that contemplating a loving God feels great to the mind and heart. As Mark and Andrew say: “If you contemplate God long enough, something surprising happens in the brain. Neural functioning begins to change.” This may explain why thinking about a God who loves you can make you happy. The highest enjoyment a human can experience is when you fall in love with God. It happened to me that is why I can verify this fact!

    Basically in this book the authors don't want to make anyone uncomfortable so they sacrifice some truth in the effort to make everyone happy. I think you can be tolerant of other religions while at the same time telling the truth about Jesus. There is a fine line between imposing one's ideas on others and telling them the great news about how to get to heaven. I believe most Christians are genuinely concerned about unsaved souls and the horrors of hell. I know I worry about my friends too!

    This book indicates that a visitor to earth would not know what religion to choose. I hope they would take the time to research Jesus' claims about himself being the truth, the way and the life. Some studies of near-death experiences would also show the realities of heaven and hell.

    Mark and Andrew seem to indicate in this book that our human concept of God is evolving and yet the biblical God is unchanging in his character and has always been the same loving God we know today. I think we can see God as compassionate, while at the same time realizing his holiness requires justice and the punishments of sins. It is wise to read about the seven deadly sins so that you can be at peace with God. The Bible also states that a reverential fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

    The book to read after this one is J.I. Packer's "Knowing God". Science has also proven that there is a vast intelligence behind creation. DNA alone proves this! So the authors not knowing what the ultimate truth is....they haven't read enough science books!

    So the message of this book is that meditation can heal all the world's problems. The facts are unless the heart is changed by Jesus' love there is little hope! Meditation does help anxiety but it can't get your soul into heaven. I think belief in Jesus is a far better bet! Especially since Jesus could accurately predict the future and things he said in the Bible are coming true today!

    ~The Rebecca Review
    65 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    I'm agnostic at best. This book delves into the actual neurological benefits of belief in God. Whether true or not, it is interesting to scientifically examen the effects of having a belief a aGod. If their be a aaGod, this book must be interesting to him
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
    "How God Changes Your Brain" is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and neuroscience. Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman offer a credible and inspiring exploration of how spiritual practices can profoundly impact our brains and overall well-being. Whether you are a scientist, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about the benefits of meditation and prayer, this book provides valuable insights and practical advice for enhancing your life through the power of spirituality.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
    I found this book interesting but not at all what I'd expected. I guess I expected it to be more spiritually based and that isn't what it was. It was still a fascinating read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Kathy Keogh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Informative
    Reviewed in Canada on April 2, 2025
    Great book! Love it, bought one for all my friends
  • Dr. H. A. Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars The health benefits of spirituality
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2010
    How God Changes Your Brain by Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman, Ballantine Books, New York, 2009, 364 ff.

    The health benefits of spirituality
    By Howard Jones

    The health benefits of various forms of spiritual meditation have been known for many years - hence the popularity of yoga and other eastern meditative practices. Meditation generates endorphins and thereby reduces heart rate and blood pressure; it produces relaxed breathing and a general feeling of wellbeing. The associated mind-set promotes an attitude of beneficence towards our fellow man, and that can only be a good thing for all concerned. The well-being produced by spirituality is the subject of this book.

    Andrew Newberg is an Associate Professor of Radiology and Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Mark Robert Waldman is an Associate Fellow at the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the same university. Newberg earlier wrote a book with his mentor, Eugene d'Aquili, called The Mystical Mind, on the same theme and he has a number of books and papers on mind and meditation to his name.

    The important point emphasised by Newberg in his books and lectures is that you do not have to believe in the God of western religion in order to be spiritual and to benefit from meditative practices: `Spiritual practices, even when stripped of religious beliefs . . . improve physical and emotional health.' It is important therefore to distinguish, as the authors do, between religion and spirituality. Even the term `God' is used here in a generic sense to denote the highest of our spiritual values. This `God' exists in the world, in our subconscious perception and in our conscious images and concepts.

    The authors make the interesting observation that `each part of the brain constructs a different perception of God.' The effects on our health are governed by our view of God, as benevolent, forgiving, angry, and so on. The authors also endorse the beneficial effects of Herbert Benson's `relaxation response'. Meditative techniques, whether based on eastern mystical beliefs or western religious practices, if performed regularly produce permanent beneficial structural effects on the brain.

    The authors defend religion against the atheists' charge that it is bad for our health, citing lack of evidence. Religious persecutions throughout human history are not sufficient? They accept however that religion is harmful when it is authoritarian, generates fear or fabricates fantasies as truth. Newberg and Waldman criticise atheist writings that treat all religion as if it were intolerant fundamentalism and the authors cite many positive aspects of religion. Focusing on these positive aspects encourages neuroplasticity or positive structural development of the brain. The aim is to generate compassion or empathy with other brains.

    The meditation practice on which the authors focus is that of Kirtan Kriya from north India. They have conducted tests that show the benefits of this practice, even in the short term, in producing peace of mind and in improving memory in age-related disorders through selective attention - focusing on constructive objectives in our lives.

    This is a fascinating and uplifting book which, though technical, would qualify as a self-help manual. The title is perhaps not strictly accurate, since it is the meditation or contemplation that is effective, and the book makes it clear that neither religion nor God is necessary. The few anatomical details of the brain used in the descriptions are all explained. Its message is encouraging for readers of all ages. The book has a generous 74-page section of Notes and references and an Index at the end.

    Dr Howard A. Jones is the author of The Thoughtful Guide to God (2006) and The Tao of Holism (2008), both published by O Books of Winchester, UK.

    The Mystical Mind: Probing the Biology of Religious Experience (Theology & the Sciences)
    The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles
    Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the power of mental force
    Timeless Healing: The Power and Biology of Belief
  • lisa
    4.0 out of 5 stars molto interessante
    Reviewed in Italy on July 10, 2015
    Questo libro è veramente molto interessante, perchè presenta i risultati di ricerche scientifiche adottando un punto di vista assolutamente aperto e "interculturale". Non dò il punteggio massimo solo perchè in alcuni punti tutti i resoconti degli esperimenti compiuti diventano un po' ripetitivi e un po' (solo un po') noiosi.
    Nel complesso è veramente un testo validissimo e indispensabile per chi si interessa di pratiche meditative e in generale dper chi vuole vivere meglio.
    Report
  • Ashy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro súper recomendable
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 24, 2023
    A mi hija (16) le gusto muchísimo , estoy esperando que termine para leerlo.
  • Rajalakshmi Rao
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great !!
    Reviewed in India on January 3, 2017
    An amazing book for all, especially for those who practise meditation and want to know exactly how it affects the brain structurally and functionally. Once you read the book, you are not the same person anymore. It makes one more conscientious / introspective about what one thinks and feels and how it alters the functioning of certain parts with good or bad effect. A tool for self control. It seems like a very personal, interesting puzzle waiting to be solved. It has a lot of tips for making things work to lead a healthy and meaningful life. Wish I had come across this book years ago. I strongly recommend this book for all spiritually and scientifically inclined seekers. The presentation is superb.