Explore the fascinating research of anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann on the Evangelical relationship with God in this TEDxStanford talk. Discover astonishing findings about individuals who claim to hear God speak to them literally, including those who set out an extra cup of coffee for Him. Delve into how rational, sensible people of faith experience the presence of an invisible being and maintain their beliefs in a skeptical environment. Learn about Luhrmann's work on how objects without material presence become real to people and how ideas about the mind affect mental experience. Gain insights into the complex interplay between faith, imagination, and perception as Luhrmann, a distinguished anthropologist and award-winning author, shares her research on the nature of belief and the human mind's capacity for spiritual experiences.