The Neural Basis of Religious Cognition

The Neural Basis of Religious Cognition brings together leading researchers from psychology, neuroscience, and theology to identify the neural circuits underlying various aspects of religious behavior and cognition. The book presents cutting-edge research in the cognitive neuroscience of religion, demonstrating how brain research techniques can illuminate the puzzles and complexities of religious experience. The work argues that understanding the neural foundations of religious cognition holds both historical significance and contemporary relevance for human understanding, potentially revealing insights into uniquely human aspects of social brain functioning. Through in-depth explorations of diverse topics including prayer, psychedelic experiences, and the impact of neurodegenerative disorders on religious cognition, the book provides comprehensive coverage of this emerging interdisciplinary field. The research presented offers valuable knowledge about how the brain processes religious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, contributing to broader understanding of human consciousness and spirituality. The book provides in-depth explorations of various topics within cognitive neuroscience of religion, including prayer, psychedelics and the impact of neurodegenerative disorders, making it a must-read for all researchers of the psychology of religion.