New Bible for Atheists?
Some Say New Book is a 4,000-Year Upgrade of Religion
A neurologist claims to have created the world's first scientific-based religion by showing that bridging the gap between the brain and mind, and science and religion, can truly inspire, according to the author.
University of Hawaii's neuroscientist and philosopher Bruce E. Morton promises a personal transformation for those who read his new book, Neuroreality: A Scientific Religion to Restore Meaning, or How 7 Brain Elements Create 7 Minds and 7 Realities.
Morton says his discovery in the new book is a “4,000 year upgrade of religion based upon a scientific method that clarifies the multiple natures of consciousness and of reality.”
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The author claims that his empirical research proves that his ideas will make the reader happy and fulfilled.
However, critics say the author is attempting to create something new for atheists and non-Christians to cling to as some kind of belief system to validate his own research.
Perhaps the most accurate meaning of atheism to many people now is the absence or rejection of a belief in God.
Michael Martin, a leading atheist philosopher, defines atheism entirely in terms of belief.
Martin says negative atheism is simply the lack of theistic belief, positive atheism is the asserted disbelief in God, and agnosticism is the lack of either belief or disbelief in God.
Morton says his new book contains no supernatural beliefs or experiments and yet it will guide readers in their religious journey by providing a larger view and purpose in life by using a scientific method.
Some of his fellow researchers are praising Morton for discovering a new set of religious beliefs. They are also saying Morton’s new book could be the “new bible for atheists.”
"Dr. Morton should be nominated for the Noble Peace Prize for his brilliant and thought-provoking work, ‘Neuroreality,’” said Dr. E.A. Hankins III from the UCLA School of Medicine and founder of The World Museum of Natural History in Riverside, Calif.
“Not since Darwin has such a world-changing wealth of new ideas come to challenge our knowledge of the universe, life, and the workings of the human mind."
Morton wrote the book after suffering from depression. He tried multiple self-medicating attempts to cure himself including the use of chemicals.
After self-testing more than 40 psychoactive compounds, he said he “struck gold in the form of multiple hallucinogen-induced ego death and transcendence experiences.”
While his ego was incapacitated, or not working, traumatic memories flashed before his eyes. Morton claims it was then he discovered the social brain element source that gave him an “accurate approximation about life, universe, and reality.”
The author discusses four different but related ways to produce a life transformation and 21 life solutions that are scientifically based – not based in faith.
Matt Slick, president and founder of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, said sometimes people just hate religion, God, or anything that imposes morals.
“Other times people hate the idea that Jesus is God in flesh, or they hate the idea that God is the only way to salvation because he is not right here in front of us to talk to,” Slick said.
“Truth is not a feeling. Truth is not an idea. The truth is found in the Bible. Faith is where all Christians find their salvation."
He said these new ideas drummed up by scientists and non-believers are wrong because they do not have the truth and they are not based on faith.
“That is, they have a false understanding of God the Father, of God the Son, of the Holy Spirit, and the work of Christ on the Cross,” he said.
“Because they are in error in these things, they are in error concerning the doctrine of salvation. Truth is what God says is true.”
Religious leaders spread the message to believers that the uniqueness of Christianity is that the entire process happens within the will, plan, priorities and purpose of Almighty God as revealed in the Bible, and is grounded and operates under the lordship of Jesus Christ – not science.
The Rev. Howard Storm, author and professor of art at Northern Kentucky University, said the Gospel of Christ is much simpler than many believe.
Storm said there are too many people trying to overcomplicate faith in God or trying to create a life transforming answer to everything we do not understand.
"The simple message of Jesus doesn't involve any interpretation nor all the rules and traditions that go along with it," he said.
"Jesus had one simple message. That is to love unconditionally. He said everything is based on love for your neighbor and your enemy. His Gospel message is as simple and as profound as love."
