Genes, Minds and Selves:

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.