The Invention of God

The Natural Origins of Mythology and Religion

How did mythology and religion first begin? Where did the ideas of “God,” “spirit” and “soul” come from? The author takes us to ancient times, showing us how early humans struggled to make sense of the world around them. Drawing on history, geology, volcanology, anthropology, chemistry, astronomy, archeology, oceanography, biology and cognitive science, the author reveals the surprising true meaning of our most sacred stories.

"Bill Lauritzen is some kind of genius." Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
"Lauritzen has some good ideas ..." Daniel Dennett, Philosopher, Author.
"Anyone interested in science and religion should read this book." Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., Award-Winning Psychologist, UC Irvine.
“An interesting and thought-provoking book." Dr. Mamikon Mnatsakanian, Ph.D, Astrophysicist, Mathematician, California Institute of Technology.

A study in conjecture

This was like watching Discovery Channel Ancient Aliens. Every statement he made contained “may have” “could have” and was basically unsupported, except as stretches of his imagination. Small wonder he couldn’t find a publisher. In my view, Desmond Morris (“The Naked Ape“) had a much more supportable theory. We as hominids are hardwired to recognize an alpha who eats first, mates first and runs the troop. So genetically ingrained, we imagine there must be an Uber Alpha even without evidence that there is or ever was. This book was a joke.

AI Narration is a Mistake

Intriguing and provocative and worth the time to read. Minor distractions, such as virtual voice continuous mispronunciations and imperfect pauses, and occasional incorrect science like claiming the Pacific Ocean was formed from the collision of Theia, should not distract from the main theme. It’s a thesis that needs examination.