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A review of the neuroscience of religion: an overview of the field, its limitations, and future interventions

Summary

This review examines how neuroscience studies the brain’s role in religious experiences and behaviors. While current brain imaging technology has revealed connections between specific brain regions and religious practices like prayer and meditation, these technologies limit what researchers can study because they require people to stay still. The authors suggest that newer technologies like functional near-infrared spectroscopy could allow scientists to study the full range of religious behaviors, including movement-based rituals that are important to many faiths.

Background

The neuroscience of religion (NoR) is an emerging field studying neural mechanisms and their correlational relationships with religious phenomena. Since the beginning of the 21st century, NoR has utilized brain imaging techniques and lesion studies to establish relationships between brain functions and religious practices, beliefs, and experiences.

Objective

This review critically examines the neuroscience of religion field, including discussions on methodologies, theories of religion, limitations of current research methods, and potential future directions. The paper explores how alternative technologies and theoretical frameworks could expand understanding of religious behaviors, particularly ritualized movements and embodied practices.

Results

Research has implicated multiple brain regions in religious behaviors including the prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, and reward pathways. Neurochemical systems including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and glutamate have been associated with religious experiences. Studies demonstrate activation of theory of mind networks, semantic processing regions, and reward systems during religious practices.

Conclusion

While NoR has made significant discoveries, current technologies limit investigation to belief-centric behaviors, excluding embodied and ritualized practices. Future directions should incorporate functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), dry EEG, and alternative religious theories to examine the full spectrum of religious behaviors and their neural correlates.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Neuroscience,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 40904735
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