Religion and science are compatible, asserts psychiatrist Feierman (retired, U. of New Mexico; B.S., zoology) in introducing the new non-theological approach to the study of religion through neo-Darwinian disciplines including ethology (the biology of behavior), evolutionary psychology, and cognitive science. International scholars describe the parallel biosocial evolutionary history of religious behaviors, their basis in brain development, causes, and adaptive roles. For example, closing one's eyes in prayer in monotheistic religions is viewed as akin to animal expression of submission to higher-ranked animals. The volume was inspired by a symposium held in 2008 at the University of Bologna. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)