The memory of our dearly departed lives on in our brain cells, like programmes compiled over the years. This stimulation can be remarkably faithful. Modern communication metaphors provide a rational grip on what prehistoric people had every reason to think of as voices of the dead. And that may have been the beginning of religion. With speculations like these, scientists try to understand what for most of the people need no explanation: Why there is this powerful force called religion?

In his book, Dennett tackles the controversial question of why we believe in God and how religion shapes our lives. He takes a hard look at this phenomenon and asks, where does our devotion come from and what purpose does it serve? Is religion a blind evolutionary compulsion or a rational choice?

He argues that time has come to shed the light of science on the fundamental questions of faith. He explores how organised religion evolved from folk beliefs and why it is such a potent force today. It is not an anti-religious creed but an eye opening exploration of the role belief plays in our lives.