Book description
The hard work required to make God real, how it changes the people who do it, and why it helps explain the enduring power of faith How do gods and spirits come to feel vividly real to people--as if they were standing right next to them? Humans tend to see supernatural agents everywhere, as the cognitive science of religion has shown. But it isn't easy to maintain a sense that there are invisible spirits who care about you. In How God Becomes Real, acclaimed anthropologist and scholar of religion T. M. Luhrmann argues that people must work incredibly hard to make gods real and that this effort--by changing the people who do it and giving them the benefits they seek from invisible others--helps to explain the enduring power of faith. Drawing on ethnographic studies of evangelical Christians, pagans, magicians, Zoroastrians, Black Catholics, Santeria initiates, and newly orthodox Jews, Luhrmann notes that none of these people behave as if gods and spirits are simply there. Rather, these worshippers make strenuous efforts to create a world in which invisible others matter and can become intensely present and real. The faithful accomplish this through detailed stories, absorption, the cultivation of inner senses, belief in a porous mind, strong sensory experiences, prayer, and other practices. Along the way, Luhrmann shows why faith is harder than belief, why prayer is a metacognitive activity like therapy, why becoming religious is like getting engrossed in a book, and much more. A fascinating account of why religious practices are more powerful than religious beliefs, How God Becomes Real suggests that faith is resilient not because it provides intuitions about gods and spirits--but because it changes the faithful in profound ways.
Prometheus
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Jersey
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Bad Princess
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds.
Captain Peroxide
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Avenge Paws
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free.
DreamDiver
Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§
Dance Cannon
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before.
Light Lion
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue.
ByteBard
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Ex0tic
π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Trick Baron
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Shade Nightman
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
SWAT Honey
ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Fist Wizard
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Lumberyard
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
The Shield Toronto
πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Trixie Doodle
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books.
HolyCombo
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
CodeExia
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Grotas
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience