My guest is Dr. David DeSteno, PhD, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University. We discuss science, God and religion, including what science can and can’t reveal about the existence of God and where religious faith and science do and do not align. We also discuss why questions about life’s origins, miracles and the afterlife have persisted across time. Dr. DeSteno explains how religious rituals cause meaningful improvements in mental and physical health and how prayer and gratitude can markedly reduce stress, increase honesty and compassion and buffer against loneliness and despair. Finally, we explore what distinguishes religions and mission-based communities from cults, and we discuss the role that communities such as 12-step and Burning Man play in modern life.Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://drinkag1.com/hubermanOur Place: https://fromourplace.com/hubermanLMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanEight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/hubermanFunction: https://functionhealth.com/hubermanTimestamps(((((((((((((((((((((((((Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices