In an era when many scientists double as media-savvy iconoclasts, anthropologist Melvin Konner—an agnostic who was raised as an Orthodox Jew—explores the advantages of religion and the rewards of tolerance. Here Konner probes the psychology, development,evolution, and even genetics of the varied religious impulses we experience as a species. Offering a colorful weave of personal stories as well as new scientific research, Konner shows us that religion does much good as well as undoubted harm, and that for at least a large minority of humanity, the belief in things unseen neither can nor should go away.

"A humane, appropriately qualified argument that provides aid and comfort for believers—and that should also interest fair-minded nonbelievers."—Kirkus Reviews