How We Believe: Science, Skepticism, and the Search for God

Name: How We Believe: Science, Skepticism, and the Search for God
Price: 19.07 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (105 reviews)
Author: Michael Shermer

by Michael Shermer

Nonfiction Religion Spirituality

4.3 (105)

4.3 stars from 105 reviews

302 pages~5 hr readPublished by W.H. FreemanPublished 1999-01-01

$19.07At peak price

Last checked: May 30, 2026

Price history: $2.99 – $19.07

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Price range: $2.99 – $19.07

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Perfect for you if...

You're curious about why intelligent people believe different things and want the science behind faith, not just the philosophy.
You read popular neuroscience and enjoy authors like Gladwell who make research accessible without dumbing it down.
You're religious or spiritual but also scientifically minded, and you're looking for a book that doesn't demand you choose a side.

Maybe not for you if...

You want a polemic that convinces you religion is wrong (or right). Shermer's too balanced for that kind of argument.
You prefer narrative-driven books. This is structured around research findings and ideas, not stories.
You're looking for a deep theological exploration. This is science-focused, not philosophy or divinity.

About this book

How We Believe examines scientific research on how the brain influences belief and skepticism. Michael Shermer investigates the nature of religious faith and God, drawing on studies in psychiatry, neuroscience, and epidemiology to explore how and why humans create religious laws, embrace apocalyptic myths, and balance science with religion. The book explores phenomena including out-of-body experiences, miraculous coincidences, and extrasensory perception. Shermer considers how the human need to understand the universe and our place in it drives both believers and nonbelievers, offering a scientific examination of this ancient desire.

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Price History

Kindle price over time. Green zones = periods when the book was free.

$2.99 – $19.07

Price has dropped 15 times over the last 6 years. Goes on sale roughly every 49 days.

Sales Rank

Amazon sales rank: lower number = better selling book. #1 is the bestseller.

Currently around #147K in the Kindle store — a niche title.

Rating & Reviews

Purple line = star rating over time. Blue area = total review count growth.

Currently 4.3★ from 105 reviews

Review activity has been quiet recently. Rating has remained stable at 4.3 over the tracking period.

Sale Prediction

Actual Predicted

This book goes on sale roughly every 49 days. Next drop estimated in about 7 weeks. Typical discount: 84% off.

Prices shown in USD from Amazon US. We continuously pull new data to improve tracking. If dates look old, it usually means there has been no significant change since the last data point.