West of Jesus

West of Jesus follows author Steven Kotler's investigation into the cultural and scientific roots of surfing mythology. After battling a severe case of Lyme disease, Kotler embarks on a global quest to understand a recurring surfer legend about a mystical wave. The narrative tracks parallel journeys - Kotler's personal path of healing through surfing, and his research into how surfing traditions connect to spiritual practices across history and cultures. His search takes him from neurological research labs to remote Pacific islands as he pursues both scientific and mythological understanding. Through interviews with surfers, scientists, and spiritual leaders, Kotler examines the intersection of belief, biology, and human performance. The investigation centers on how shared stories and rituals shape human experience, particularly in extreme sports and transformative states. This exploration of surf culture becomes a lens for examining larger questions about faith, science, and the human drive to find meaning through transcendent experience. The book bridges empirical research and mystical tradition to probe how humans create and sustain belief systems.

Readers connect with Kotler's interweaving of surfing culture, neuroscience, and spiritual exploration during his recovery from Lyme disease. The book resonates with those interested in the intersection of science and mysticism. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex neurological concepts - Personal vulnerability in describing health struggles - Balance of research and storytelling - Cultural insights into surfing communities What readers disliked: - Meandering narrative structure - Too much focus on personal illness details - Lack of concrete conclusions - Some found spiritual elements forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (120+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "The science is accessible without being dumbed down" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets lost in tangents" - Amazon reviewer "Honest account of seeking meaning through suffering" - LibraryThing reviewer "Expected more about surfing, less about neurology" - Goodreads reviewer

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🌊 Steven Kotler wrote this book while recovering from Lyme disease, a condition that left him bedridden for nearly three years. 🏄‍♂️ The "First Church of the Open Sky" mentioned in the book is a real surfing philosophy embraced by some wave riders who view surfing as a spiritual practice. 🌺 The book's investigation into the "Conductor," a mythical surfing figure, spans multiple cultures including Hawaiian, Indonesian, and African coastal communities. 🧬 Kotler's research into the neuroscience of surfing revealed that the sport can trigger flow states similar to those experienced during meditation or religious experiences. 🗺️ The journey documented in the book covers over 15,000 miles across four continents, following historical surf culture migration patterns and ancient maritime trading routes.