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.
ForumFlare
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Manly Reno
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
CZR
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Curio
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Speedwell
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
East Army
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions.
Uncle Psycho
πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Sly Bible
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Dallas Burn
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Whipsaw
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Y0dler
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature.
Skool
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨
Truth
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Kamikaze Grandma
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Pinup Diva
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
QuantumQuipper
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Stud Buster
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Grotas
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Easy Sweep
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Mt. Indiana
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
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