i would like to offer something in regard to the auspices that can be found in learning to reach and relate with those who are very interested in the study of Life and the natural universe through building on the fundamental principles of modern Science (as many have been taught in school, and expected to live by thereafter).

today in developed industrial nations there is so very much faith and hopes vested in Science as first authority on Life, Its origin(s), and nature.

often highest respect, trust, and value is placed on persons who have much money or potential to produce valuable commodities or other lucrative concepts.

since ‘industrial revolution’, there is considered so much economic prospect to be found through scientific discovery and development.

subsequently, such ‘Science experts’ become strong influential leaders of society, morality, and culture.

all the hopes and trust placed in such paradigm are very precious and vital to those who have lent themselves to it.

understanding that the faith of living entities is also most dear and cherished by Sri Krishna Himself, there is a promising wealth of service to be embraced in helping those individuals see the many marvels and miracles of this vast and wondrous universe in the ultimate context of a glorious living God’s all inspiring glance upon it.

It thus behoves us to respect variety and be pluralist in our outlook. This ought not be regarded as a threat, and should that be the case, then we may need to do some soul-searching as to why we feel so. The fact is, no serious Vaisnava can be swayed from his chosen path, no matter which company he is in on a routine basis.

The field of scientific evaluation of all things spiritual is potentially interesting to a lot of people. Still it is rare to find good research in this field, especially one presented in a readable form.

A desire to make a profit while engaging in such a research does not make anybody a suspect in my opinion, provided that the research is done honestly, and with required scientific rigor. Fairytales should be sold as inspirational writings, and there is a market for them as well.

Bhaktivedanta Institute is a separate subject matter. Given the general history of our movement I am not one bit surprised it did not become a more serious player in it’s field.

I am very reluctant to give an academic credit for being a sacrificing unit that is only interested in the truth.

Well, maybe you need to open up your association and get to know some people. They are out there, trust me. They may not believe exactly what you do, but there are some very sincere, nice, intelligent people in the world. And the good news is that you don’t have to give up your beliefs to honor someone else’s.
If you are old school iskcon KB you may not believe in evolution, but I say lets do some survival of the kindest! EVOLVE!! It is not black and white, spiritual or maya, demons or devotees, us or them. Become comfortable with difference and before you know it, you are evolving. Growing a superior brain!
We do need to open ourselves to the idea that there are people of worth, of high character and saintly qualities amongst the majority of the population that aren’t devotees. Bhakti is most generous, and because a person may have all the trappings of a devotee and know the details of our Gaudiya Vedanta, it does not automatically follow that they are a better “person”.
Why the need to feel some superiority because of having been “saved”, been given “the highest truth”, etc., and the inner push to destroy the credit of people who aren’t quite there yet? This is definitely a brutish mentality that should be left back in the past so that we can attract intelligent, kind-hearted people to our path. Weren’t we all convinced at some point that our senses would guide us to the ultimate truth?
I often would rather be in the association of “non-believers” who are good people, than devotees who seem to have lost their humanity.
Ever seen the bumper sticker “Dear God – please save me from your followers!” Good one.

“One of the authors has had a profound spiritual experience himself. It is the inner certitude derived from it that that has fueled much of this book.”

This is referring to the final pages of the book when the author explains his motives, but I suppose that is just a ploy as well?

While you may readily dismiss such people, they may be motivated by experiences and questions that probably brought you to your spiritual life and guru. Assuming the worst of everyone is not an attractive quality of yours.

To say he wrote this book for money is just silly. If someone wants to make money, they do not get into publishing. And if a neuroscientist employed at a major university wants to make money, they don’t publish some niche book, either. There are people who are genuinely seeking the truth out there, whether they have arrived at the same conclusions that you have or they ever will.