The Big Questions series is designed to let renowned experts address the 20 most fundamental and frequently asked questions of a major branch of science or philosophy. Each 3000-word essay simply and concisely examines a question that has eternally perplexed enquiring minds, and provides answers based on the latest research. This ambitious project is a unique distillation of humanity's best ideas. In The Big Questions: God, Mark Vernon answers the 20 key questions: Can reason prove the existence of God? Why do people still have religious beliefs? Can drugs induce religious experiences? Have you seen a miracle? If you're not religious, is nothing sacred? Is religion inherently violent? What is Buddhist enlightenment? Is nature divine? Does human suffering rule out God? Are we living in the end times? Will science bring the end of religion? Is religion a mistake of evolution? Can you be spiritual without being religious? What is the literal meaning of Scripture? Can an agnostic pray? What is it like to be a fundamentalist? Is Confucianism a religion? Is there a perennial philosophy? Can we be good without God? Is there life after death?