Expanding the vision of neurotheology: make neuroscience religion’s ally

Abstract

ABSTRACT Religion and science are often deemed to conflict. Neurotheology is a new way of exploring the interface of neuroscience and religion. Neuroscience shares many of the same concerns about human welfare as religion and also provides the credibility of secular rationale, evidence, explanation, and resolution for many religious ideas for wholesome living. The analysis here reveals and explores nine categories where neuroscience can augment religious life: (1) Harm avoidance, (2) Actualization, (3) Stress reduction, (4) Positive Reinforcement, (5) Human capacity for learning, (6) Biology of love, (7) Sanctity of life, (8) Social neuroscience, and (9) Body ad brain health.