In this book, the author asks if it is irrational to believe in God, as asserted by scientific materialists and secular humanists from their naturalistic perspective. It is a very well- informed discussion framed in terms of a thesis giving arguments why not to believe, an antithesis of rationality and spirituality, and a synthesis on the basis of deeper ways of knowing and experience to be found in ‘noetics’ and ‘paragnosis’. The impulse for the book came from the development of his sons and the author’s wish to engage them in their quest for understanding. In the first part, he covers indoctrination, beliefs, truth, identity and free will from a naturalistic viewpoint. He then develops the case that there are good reasons to believe in a higher power, also on the basis of his own experience, and in particular one incident where he should have been crushed by a train in a car, but miraculously found himself standing unhurt some distance away, while his passenger had to be cut out of the vehicle. He makes his case on the basis of practical reason and orientation towards outcomes, including a sense of well-being. The author is also familiar with the research of such scientists as Dean Radin and Ian Stevenson that can be rationally assessed. He argues that paragnosis or knowledge that cannot be obtained by normal means is well established, especially in relation to everyday life and, implicitly, that scientists need to expand their view and ‘look through the telescope’ in search of a deeper understanding. He examines spirituality and wise living, proposing nine exercises that change lives, including gratitude, singing, meditation, laughter, doing good deeds, and likeability as a component of well-being. He urges scientists as well as the rest of us not to be dogmatic but enquiring and discerning. As his son William puts it in his own review, the book enables readers to consider their perspectives and arguments against one’s own position. It is a good argument for a wider world view. ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer Scientific and Medical Network

Any book that starts with the premise of, ‘Is it Irrational to Believe in God’ deserves to be carefully studied, as the question; especially regarding the current state of the world we live in, is very relevant. The book makes a pragmatic case for the rational viability of a spiritual belief in a higher power. The author makes a compelling case that the scientific worldview that regards humans as self-replicating “meat machines”, often with an apparent death wish, is inconsistent with people’s experiences of themselves and is not nearly as rationally superior as it is so often presented. That aside, and apart from the fact that spirituality does not necessarily require a belief in a creator God, this alone makes the author’s considerations a worthwhile read. The book is an astute challenge to the rational supremacy of science over its spiritual rivals. Well worth a read. Phenomena Magazine: July 2023 - Issue 171 ~ Phenomena Magazine: July 2023 - Issue 171, Review

The real strength of this book is the author’s genuine openness to ask questions without providing answers and his ability to think outside of the box and draw upon a wide variety of fields. Throughout, there are various interesting discussions of a variety of topics: free will, epigenetics, neuroscience, paragnosis, and reincarnation, being but a few. Taylor’s method is to provide a range of things for the reader to consider, providing the space to reflect and draw our own conclusions. I found the book thought-provoking. He establishes his case beyond a reasonable doubt. Progressive Voices 46 - July 2023 ~ Progressive Voices, Review

Questioning Spirituality - which has been organically sculpted for those open-minded folks regarding both philosophy and theology - includes research and theory, allowing us to contemplate each disposition whilst showing us that the future of our planet hinges upon humankind’s capacity to grow up spiritually. We always have a choice, though, of course, which this book dutifully showcases, thus allowing the reader to make their own thoughts as they progress through the book, but what this prose also does is create an excellent case for the logic and reason involved in believing in God — that the existence of a higher power is also a rational and beneficial experience. In closing, what stands out the most to me is how the book makes its points in ways that seem so logical and grounded, and thus no matter what a person’s disposition toward spirituality may be, encouraging an open mind and a passion for questioning is where we learn the most and find appreciation in the views of others. ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

Have you ever felt that your faith was at odds with science? Do you feel like you have to choose one over the other? In his non-fiction book, Questioning Spirituality, Eldon Taylor explores the notion that both concepts contradict each other. Taylor approaches the topic by presenting different sides of the argument. …this is a thought-provoking book that had me questioning my own beliefs and perceptions about life and the afterlife. Therefore, I have decided to give Questioning Spirituality by Eldon Taylor a rating of five out of five stars. I recommend this book to anyone who is open-minded regarding matters of philosophy and theology. Anyone with a passion for science will be interested in the numerous studies that were discussed. Many readers will also appreciate the self-help component near the end of the book. Josephe-Anne, OnlineBookClub.org ~ Josephe-Anne, OnlineBookClub.org, OnlineBookClub.org

When I started to read this book, I was not sure if I was going to enjoy it, however, I actually did. It is filled with a lot of interesting information and so much to reflect upon and guidance to create a clearer idea, as to what you do or don’t believe, if you wish. There are some very interesting stories in this book that people have shared that are also very inspiring. I like to believe in this higher existence and guidance. There has to be more than just us in this world and universe. I liked the suggestions of self help exercises and think they hold great potential and benefit, not only for oneself, but for others too. I already practise some of them day to day, but it’s always good to be reminded and also, inspired with new suggestions. Anyway, what’s not to like when you can make your own and someone else’s days better. ~ Sian Masani (Reviewer) , NetGalley

A thought-provoking investigation of the assumed irrationality of spiritual beliefs that honors both sides of the debate In a world where science and religion are often seen as antithetical to one another, Dr. Eldon Taylor dares to question whether religion is as irrational as some anti-religion advocates would have people believe. The result is a surprisingly direct and pragmatic conversation that handles peoples’ experiences as they relate to their beliefs with respect. When belief in a higher power is taken as seriously as the scientific worldview, does religion appear as irrational as is commonly believed, or is the alleged rational superiority of the scientific worldview unjustified? Questioning Spirituality is divided into three parts. Part 1 looks at spiritual beliefs through the lens of the atheist. Here, the unavoidably difficult problems with religion are faced head on with candor. For example, how can God be omniscient (all- knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and all good (omnibenevolent), yet we still have free will and our world have so much negativity in it? The assertion that there is a higher power raises many questions that, from the perspective of many religious opponents, have not been answered adequately, provoking a reasonable doubt in the notion of God. Part 2 addresses the opposing side. Importantly, this section is not a response to the doubts raised in the first section, but rather an examination of the many good reasons there are to believe in a higher power. As such, the answers to the questions addressed here point to religion as rational based on its quality of life benefits (hope and health), our neurological makeup, and the preponderance of people’s personal experiences with things that cannot be explained rationally. Part 3, synthesis, takes the thoughts and ideas of the previous two sections and synthesizes them. The ensuing discussion focuses primarily on how one’s beliefs can improve their quality of life. It does not give definitive answers to questions of what to believe, for the book accepts that people’s experiences will define their beliefs and leaves open that door. Instead, it suggests we interrogate our beliefs frequently and offers tools for improving one’s quality of life introspectively. This book is interesting in that its goal is not to persuade readers to one side or the other. Instead, it stands competently in the middle of the debate of science or religion, attempting to fairly examine the oft-hurled claim that religious beliefs and spirituality are rationally inferior or downright irrational. It takes this job seriously, concluding with reasoning and evidence from scientific literature, that such beliefs are not irrational, in spite of people’s perception of them. Dr. Eldon Taylor makes clear from the beginning what he believes in regard to the question, and his biased perspective is seen most concretely in the attention paid to each section. Part 1 is the shortest of the sections, its page count exceeded by part 3 and more than doubled by part 2, resulting in a book that is lopsided in its consideration of the two sides of the issue. Whether this is the intended result of the writer or an unintended consequence of his beliefs is for the reader to decide. While the book does not treat the scientific worldview with any less respect than the religious worldview, it does have significantly less content than its opposition. Questioning Spirituality is a good read for anyone interested in whether or not evidence supports the supposition that it is irrational to hold spiritual beliefs. Despite the lopsided content, it does take the job seriously and strives to honestly and respectfully represent both sides of the issue, making it well worth the read regardless of which side of the aisle the reader falls on. ~ Independent Book Review, Timothy Thomas, reviewer

Eldon, Your project is definitely desperately needed dear one and also close to my heart. So happy you are doing this work and all parents need this, most important research and solutions to parenting problems in this most challenging. ~ Dr. Terry Cole-Whittaker, Adventures in Enlightenment

Questioning Spirituality: Is It Irrational to Believe in God? provides a thoughtful summary and reflection on some of the most essential topics within the field of psychology, including the power of hope, the role of genes, and the connection between mind-body. Readers interested in learning more about the science of happiness, and in particular the insights from neuroscience on how our thoughts and practices can literally change the brain, will find this book particularly engaging and inspiring. ~ Professor Catherine Sanderson, Amherst College

~Anthony Falikowski, PhD, author of Higher Reality Therapy. | Professor at Sheridan College/Adjunct Professor York University (retired) edit | delete In this book, Eldon Taylor provides a compelling read for anyone struggling to reconcile matters of faith and spirituality with logic and scientific rationality. His discussion blends elements of neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and religion in addressing the question as to whether or not it’s irrational to be spiritual or to believe in a Higher Power. Offering a non-dogmatic approach, he objectively examines both the inconsistencies and benefits of religious practice and belief. When it comes specifically to considering the role that spirituality should or should not play in life, anyone craving food for thought will find nourishment here. Though Taylor argues that it is pragmatically rational and advantageous to believe in a Higher Power, any final decisions are left up to the reader. ~Anthony Falikowski, PhD, author of Higher Reality Therapy. Professor at Sheridan College/Adjunct Professor York University (retired) ~ Anthony Falikowski, PhD, author of Higher Reality Therapy., Professor at Sheridan College/Adjunct Professor York University (retired)

Loretta Breuning, PhD, author of Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain your brain to boost your serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphin levels. edit | delete “Scientism” was pushed on me when I started college in the 1970s. It was equated with being a good person so I believed. But since then, I have noticed that Science believers have the same weaknesses and biases as other humans. This brain we’ve inherited is hard to manage. It’s tempted by immediate rewards even though it can conceptualize more lasting rewards. Dr. Taylor‘s book is a valuable tool for confronting this challenge. ~Loretta Breuning, PhD, author of Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain your brain to boost your serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphin levels. ~ Loretta Breuning, PhD, author of Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain your brain to boost your serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphin levels, Inner Mammal Institute

In Questioning Spirituality, Eldon Taylor takes the reader on an intellectual safari investigating two competing worldviews, and he provides explorations and explanations of each perspective that are fair, honest, and insightful. In some respects, there is competition between naturalism and spirituality, while in others there is a confluence that some readers may find surprising. We certainly learn through empirical observation of the natural world, but that does not preclude the possibility that paragnosis and noetics may also provide avenues to understanding the place that humanity occupies within our world. Perhaps the world of matter and energy is not the world entire. Other phenomena may also matter. From ancient philosophers to contemporary scientists, Eldon Taylor surveys some of the brightest lights illuminating the questions and debates at issue. He concludes that belief or unbelief is still very much what William James called a "genuine option." It is not irrational to believe that there is something more than can be identified with telescopes and microscopes. Spirituality is not for the scientifically benighted or for mere wishful thinkers. Investigate the matter for yourself, and you may find that contemporary dismissive attitudes toward faith and spirituality are simply not warranted by the available evidence. Taylor encourages his reader to investigate the matter carefully, modestly, and honestly. This is always wise advice, and Taylor's Questioning Spiritually is a crucial contribution to our explorations of the human condition. Highly recommended! ~ William Ferraiolo, Ph.D., Philosophy Dept., San Joaquin Delta College, author of A Life Worth Living: Meditations on God, Death and Stoicism

Questioning Spirituality is an inspiring read. While Eldon is unafraid to expose the problems in absolute ‘belief,’ whether it is the belief in science or in religion, he does it in a way that brings hope and peace to all. Questioning Spirituality is not about finding some compromise that leaves both theists and atheists feeling dissatisfied. Instead, it is a synthesis of beliefs that brings forth something that is truly freeing. It seems believing in science does not have to mean abandoning faith and believing in spirituality does not require blind faith. Examine, question, and then choose for yourself. ~ Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times bestselling author. ~ Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times bestselling author.

In Questioning Spirituality: Is It Irrational to Believe in God?, Eldon Taylor offers a remarkably thoughtful and wise reflection on the tensions between matters of faith and of science. While our society has become increasingly secular and less religiously engaged or affiliated, questions of faith, spirituality, meaning, and the beyond have not gone away and are frequently on the minds of many. During increasingly turbulent and rather apocalyptic times due to climate change, economic inequality, a global pandemic, divisive politics, war, and other deeply disturbing challenges, questions about spirituality and faith become even more salient, even among those who are identified as "nones" or "dones" when it comes to organized religion. Dr. Taylor's many years of experience, scholarship, reflection, and wisdom is evident throughout this book and anyone who is engaged by questions of meaning, purpose, and the beyond would likely find plenty to chew on within these pages. ~ Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., ABPP, Augustin Cardinal Bea, S.J. University Professor and Professor of Psychology (and Religious Studies), Director of the Applied Spirituality Institute, Santa Clara University

A nonfiction book makes a pragmatic case for the rational viability of a spiritual belief in a higher power. [Taylor] makes a compelling case that the scientific worldview—one that sees humans as “meat machines”—is inconsistent with people’s experiences of themselves and is not nearly as rationally superior as it is so often presented. This alone makes the author’s compact consideration a worthwhile read…A philosophically astute challenge to the rational supremacy of science over its spiritual rivals. ~ Kirkus, Kirkus Review

Considerations of faith and science and the connections and disparities between them form the foundation of Questioning Spirituality: Is It Irrational to Believe in God?, which ideally should be made part of any secular or religious discussion group on the subject. Eldon Taylor provides an astute, thought-provoking consideration of the question that embraces tenets on both sides as he probes the different ways in which spirituality is questioned, and the foundations of belief. Anyone who struggles with such questions will find much food for thought in this book, which surveys two contrasting views of the world and the points at which they intersect. It matters not whether the reader is a believer or an agnostic. Questioning Spirituality's method of analysis offers the opportunity to consider (or reconsider) the foundations which can support or deny religious convictions. Chapters range from considerations of free will and indoctrination processes to examining notions of truth, belief, and ways of living. Quotes from other thinkers (both religious and secular) support many of this book's contentions: "It would seem that many believers are intentionally alienated from reasoning about their beliefs by some of their leaders. In the words of the sixteenth-century German priest Martin Luther, “Whoever wants to be a Christian should tear the eyes out of his reason.” Or in the words of St. Ignatius Loyola, “We should always be disposed to believe that which appears to us to be white is really black, if the hierarchy of the church so decides.” Religious insistence on abandoning reason is possibly the number-one cause of religious rebellion. It’s akin to insisting on magical beings whether they are creatures such as the Easter Bunny or the Unicorn. By arguing that reason has no place in our enquiry, religion disqualifies itself from the world of the rational. That said, not all spiritual systems or practices share the denial of reason. Even among the more classical systems such as Judaism, Catholicism, Buddhism, and more, there are those who ignore the edict insisting on the denial of rational processes. For these people, there is a more mystical meaning to the so-called literal teachings found in their doctrinal literature." These passages offer related food for thought and the opportunity to reflect on the back-and-forth dialogue between believers and non-believers. By presenting both sides of various arguments, Eldon Taylor cultivates bigger-picture thinking about the diverse issues involved in defining the spiritual domain and the rationality of its possibilities. Taylor also injects personal feelings and reflections into this mix of intellectual debate, creating a warm, revealing tone of acceptance that encourages readers to think, rather than judge from knee-jerk precedents or reactions. The result is more than just another analysis of whether or not there is a God. It's a survey of the process of belief, validity, and reality itself that helps thinking readers consider the foundations of their own life experiences, religion, and philosophy. While spirituality and philosophy libraries will, of course, be the logical recipients of this debate, Questioning Spirituality should ideally take a more active role in book clubs and discussion groups where science and spiritual subjects intersect. Its use as a source guide for such debates is even more important than its recommendation to libraries seeking appealing materials suitable to different audiences of questioning thinkers on both sides of the discussion. ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Having had the pleasure of working with Dr. Eldon Taylor through the years as metaphysicians and show hosts, I am thrilled to contribute to his new book, Questioning Spirituality. I love that Eldon integrated science and spirit in a unique and beautiful way. From academic and scientific research, religion, beliefs and practices to the esoteric and embracing spirituality. Dr. Taylor awakens one's soul to the various faces and realities of the higher power. By sharing his personal experiences with divine intervention, the afterlife and the synchronicity of events, he passionately opens the door for us to relate on our own journey, After all, isn't the question really, "Is it Odd or is it God?" Great work, Eldon! You certainly open the eyes for all to see , question and decide for themselves what the universe teaches us... Linda Salvin, MPH, PhD Metaphysical Clinician, Psychic, Radio Host, Author Former Epidemiologist and Health Educator ~ Linda Salvin, MPH, PhD, Epidemiologist and Health Educator

For more than three decades, as I studied the brain, unbeknownst to me, Eldon Taylor thoroughly studied the mind. Fortunately, I have had the privilege to meet Eldon and to read his wonderful books. ~ John L. Turner, M.D, neurosurgeon

Eldon Taylor is one of the foremost philosophers of our time. ~ Dr. Joe Rubino, CEO

I’ve known Eldon Taylor for 20 years and have been fascinated with his research regarding subliminal communication. I especially appreciate his emphasis on forgiveness in healing and his serenity affirmations. ~ Brigadier General Paul Durbin

Eldon Taylor is a grandmaster of the mind. ~ Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., Harvard University

Eldon Taylor provides specific ways in which beliefs can lead to success or failure in life. ~ Stanley Krippner, Ph.D., Alan Watts Professor of psychology and humanistic studies, Saybrook University

Few are the authors who turn you inside out, who blow up your preconceived notions and cause you to become honest with yourself through and through. ~ Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, the author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential

I share Eldon's fascination about exploring the power of our mind and I'm in awe of how much knowledge and information he has amassed. ~ Linda Evans, author and actress