Principles of Neurotheology

First Published in 2017. Neurotheology has garnered substantial attention in the academic and lay communities in recent years. Several books have been written addressing the relationship between the brain and religious experience and numerous scholarly articles have been published on the topic, some in the popular press. The scientific and religious communities have been very interested in obtaining more information regarding neurotheology, how to approach this topic, and how science and religion can be integrated in some manner that preserves both. If neurotheology is to be considered a viable field going forward, it requires a set of clear principles that can be generally agreed upon and supported by both the theological or religious perspective and the scientific one as well. Principles of Neurotheology sets out the necessary principles of neurotheology which can be used as a foundation for future neurotheological discourse. Laying the groundwork for a new synthesis of scientific and theological dialogue, this book proposes that neurotheology, a term fraught with potential problems, is a highly useful and important voice in the greater study of religious and theological ideas and their intersection with science.

Preface; The case for a principia neurotheologica; Definitions in neurotheology; The principle of interaction between neuroscience and theology; General principles of neurotheological investigations; Toward a neurotheological hermeneutic; Principles relating to the methods of neurotheological research; Physiological and phenomenological correlates of spiritual practices; Reflections on major topics of neuroscience; Reflections on major topics of theology; Epistemological issues in neurotheology; Epilogue: final conclusions; Index.

Andrew B. Newberg