About This Book

The book explores how imagination shapes religious experience and group dynamics. It addresses the fine-tuning of the universe from an evidential perspective while examining consciousness's hard problem through a scientific lens. Van Leeuwen, son of renowned political scientist Charles Murray, brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to theological studies.

Why This Book Matters

This work is essential for academics in religious studies and philosophy of religion seeking innovative perspectives on belief systems. It bridges the gap between hard science and theology, making complex ideas accessible to both specialists and general readers intrigued by spirituality's intellectual underpinnings.

A fascinating exploration of how imagination sustains our most profound shared beliefs.

With its blend of rigorous scholarship and compelling narrative, this book invites readers into a world where belief is not just about faith but also about the human desire to imagine meaning in the vast cosmos around us.

Religion as Make-Believe: A Theory of Belief, Imagination, and Group Identity will be released on August 18, 2026. Pre-order your copy now to be among the first to explore this groundbreaking work that challenges traditional understandings of religion's role in human society.