Page | 1 Invisible Forces and Powerful Beliefs: Gravity, Gods, and Minds By the Chicago Social Brain Network FT Press Upper Saddle River, NJ Page | 2 Invisible Forces and Unseen Powers: Gravity, Gods, and Minds Preface 1. Invisible Forces Operating on Human Bodies Gravity is an invisible force that holds us to the surface of the earth, and the fact that gravity is invisible does not place it beyond scientific scrutiny. Similarly, humans are a quintessentially social species whose need for social connection produces invisible forces on our brain, behavior, and biology that are subject to scientific investigation. Among these are forces that compel us to seek trusting and meaningful connections with others and to seek meaning and connection with something bigger than ourselves. The story of these invisible forces speaks to who we are as a species. From Selfish Genes to Social Brains 2. The Social Nature of Humankind The human brain has evolved under the guidance of selfish genes to produce more than a brain that is capable of powerful, isolated information processing operations. The human brain also evolved with inherent capacities for social cognition, compassion, empathy, bonding, coordination, cooperation, values, mortality and a need for social connection that extends beyond kin and even other individuals. From Inclusive Fitness to Spiritual Striving 3. Science, Religion, and a Revised Religious Humanism The dialogue between science and religion, if properly pursued, can usher in a new era of religious humanism in the leading world religions. Their central beliefs and practices largely would remain intact, but their views of nature and their concerns with health and wellbeing would be refined through their conversations with the sciences. How this model would work is discussed in terms of the relation between love and health in Christian theology – especially the tension between the agape, caritas, and eros models of Christian love. The Status of the Body Po