Oord, Thomas Jay. Science of Love: The Wisdom of Well-Being. Philadelphia and London: Templeton Foundation Press, 2004.

Abstract

Science of Love explores a nascent field that is investigating the love-science symbiosis. Drawing on both science and religion, scholars are methodologically examining the connections between science and love to see how each contributes to how we understand God, ourselves, and the world in which we live. Thomas Oord summarizes the latest research and extends it in this book. Oord's study of love begins with the role love plays in all major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. He presents his view of divine love in action as consonant with the Big Bang theory and the continual creation of the universe. He looks at sociobiology and evolutionary psychology, neurology, organismic cooperation, sex and romance, and the role of emotions as each relates to love. He then moves on to religious, ethical, and philosophical issues. These considerations are provocative and challenging. As others join the scientific inquiry into the nature of love, this book stands at a pivotal point by offering a framework for ongoing research.