Is Neuroscience Relevant to Understanding Prayer and Meditation?

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3 responses to “Is Neuroscience Relevant to Understanding Prayer and Meditation?”

1. 

   DaveB

   October 6, 2023

   True story – less than 1 minute before I read this post, I ordered the following title (used copy from BiblioBooks) :
   Body & Soul: Human Nature the Crisis in Ethics
   Paperback – March 24, 2000
   by J.P. Moreland (Author), Scott B. Rae (Author)
   From the blurb: “While most people throughout history have believed that we are both physical and spiritual beings, the rise of science has called into question the existence of the soul. Many now argue that neurophysiology demonstrates the radical dependence, indeed, identity, between mind and brain. Advances in genetics and in mapping human DNA, some say, show there is no need for the hypothesis of body-soul dualism. Even many Christian intellectuals have come to view the soul as a false Greek concept that is outdated and unbiblical. Concurrent with the demise of dualism has been the rise of advanced medical technologies that have brought to the fore difficult issues at both edges of life. Central to questions about abortion, fetal research, reproductive technologies, cloning and euthanasia is our understanding of the nature of human personhood, the reality of life after death and the value of ethical or religious knowledge as compared to scientific knowledge. In this careful treatment, J. P. Moreland and Scott B. Rae argue that the rise of these problems alongside the demise of Christian dualism is no coincidence. They therefore employ a theological realism to meet these pressing issues, and to present a reasonable and biblical depiction of human nature as it impinges upon critical ethical concerns. This vigorous philosophical and ethical defense of human nature as body and soul, regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees, will be for all a touchstone for debate and discussion for years to come.”
   Looks interesting – I have read it but recent brain treatment (!) removed my memory of it. The Moreland book should make a good addition to your thought.

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2. 

   Dominik Kowalski

   October 7, 2023

   Dave,
   if you ever want to read something additional from Moreland on this topic, you should read “The Recalcitrant Imago Dei”. I know Bill read it as well. It’s a small book and a little expensive, but to my mind definitely worth it

   Reply
3. 

   DaveB

   October 8, 2023

   Good tip – I’ll look for it.

   Reply