Description

An industry grows at the intersection of American
science and spirituality. Commentators spoke of a
new religion and science dialogue in the 1990s.
But the movement was more than just dialogue. Since
the 1970s, institutions have been created,
educational programs established, and scientific
research funded and undertaken. In short,
an industry, spanning numerous fields, was built.
Today, this industry is composed of groups looking
to shape science policy, sway public opinion, and
influence the practice of science and medicine.
Participants come from a multitude of backgrounds
and ideological positions, from neuroscientists
determined to locate a god-spot to Christian
evangelicals protesting human cloning and embryonic
stem cell research. Indeed, developments in four
sciences genetics, neuroscience, alternative
medicine and ecology catalyzed the public
discourse and institutionalization that is the
primary subject of this book. As such, "Genes, Minds
and Selves" presents a series of case-studies to
demonstrate how this industry manufactures
contemporary American sciences and spiritualities.