Big dreams : the science of dreaming and the origins of religion

Bulkeley, Kelly 1962- (Author).

Summary: 'Big dreams' are rare but extremely vivid forms of dreaming that make a strong, lasting impact on waking consciousness. Experiences of big dreaming have played prominent roles in religious and cultural traditions throughout history. This book provides an original, evidence-based analysis of big dreams drawing on research from cognitive science and the comparative history of religions. The goal is to shed new light on the classic theory of Nietzsche, Tylor, and others that the origins of religion can be found in dreaming. -- Provided by publisher.

Record details

ISBN: 9780199351534 (cloth : alk. paper)
ISBN: 0199351538 (cloth : alk. paper)
Physical Description: print
x, 340 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
Publisher: New York : Oxford University Press, 2016.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	Part I. Sleep : Evolution -- The brain -- Health -- Culture -- Part II. Dreaming : Recall -- Content -- Continuities -- Discontinuities -- Part III. Big dreams : Aggressive -- Sexual -- Gravitational -- Mystical -- Part IV. Religious experience : Demonic seduction -- Prophetic vision -- Ritual healing -- Contemplative practice.