Why would anyone participate in a religion?
Research indicates there are many reasons people participate in religion. Seven of them are listed here. Belief, History, Community, Tradition, Caring, Ordering Time, Curiosity. Please explore the resources in each section. Each section ends with a question.
TO DO:
In each section-
Read through the articles
Watch the Videos
Do the journal writing
Answer the question (poll)
At the meeting-
Discuss with your confirmation partner your thoughts on these reasons
for participating in religion. Which of them are meaningful to you?
Please note in your journal how much time you spent on this page and report that
to Pastor Michelle so that she can make adjustments as needed to this page.
TO DO:
In each section-
Read through the articles
Watch the Videos
Do the journal writing
Answer the question (poll)
At the meeting-
Discuss with your confirmation partner your thoughts on these reasons
for participating in religion. Which of them are meaningful to you?
Please note in your journal how much time you spent on this page and report that
to Pastor Michelle so that she can make adjustments as needed to this page.
This karen armstrong video is an introduction to the question: why religion?
Belief
Some people join a religion because they believe the story, the creed, or the values that the religion espouses. Their beliefs lead them to practices that cause them to interact with religious institutions. Their beliefs lead them to connect with other people who have similar beliefs and hold similar values and these connections bring them into religious institutions.
Read through this section to explore the ways that belief is important.
"The facts may not be accurate, but the message is true."
-Bob Willwerth, Chair Foothills UCC Deaconate 2013.
While the United Church of Christ is a non-creedal church and does not have a set of beliefs each member must confess, there is a statement of faith that explains what the commonly held beliefs were when the denomination was formed.
JOURNAL WRITING: Which of the beliefs outlined in the UCC Statement of faith (below) feel true to you? Which ones do not feel true to you? If you were writing your own statement of faith, what would it say?
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith
—adapted by Robert V. Moss
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our
brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and
sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness
declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has
come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling
the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of
Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and
races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to
be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to
all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and
eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness
of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace,the presence of the Holy
Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no
end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.
While First Congregational UCC is a non-creedal church, we have a covenant we agree to when we join the church.
Our church covenant is
We covenant with God and with one another to grow in the knowledge of the Lord made known or to be made known to us by the Holy Spirit; to accept the joy and sacrifice involved in becoming followers of Jesus Christ; to worship and serve in His church; to minister in His name one to another, and to all humankind in holy love. Amen.
Read through this section to explore the ways that belief is important.
"The facts may not be accurate, but the message is true."
-Bob Willwerth, Chair Foothills UCC Deaconate 2013.
While the United Church of Christ is a non-creedal church and does not have a set of beliefs each member must confess, there is a statement of faith that explains what the commonly held beliefs were when the denomination was formed.
JOURNAL WRITING: Which of the beliefs outlined in the UCC Statement of faith (below) feel true to you? Which ones do not feel true to you? If you were writing your own statement of faith, what would it say?
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith
—adapted by Robert V. Moss
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our
brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and
sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness
declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has
come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling
the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of
Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and
races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to
be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to
all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and
eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness
of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace,the presence of the Holy
Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no
end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.
While First Congregational UCC is a non-creedal church, we have a covenant we agree to when we join the church.
Our church covenant is
We covenant with God and with one another to grow in the knowledge of the Lord made known or to be made known to us by the Holy Spirit; to accept the joy and sacrifice involved in becoming followers of Jesus Christ; to worship and serve in His church; to minister in His name one to another, and to all humankind in holy love. Amen.
What some people belive
Click here to learn more about NPR's "This I Believe" program
Click here for the guidelines on how to submit your own "This I Believe" essay.
Click here for the guidelines on how to submit your own "This I Believe" essay.
Click on the name of an article to read it.
Please read at least one of these articles on the importance of belief.
What is Belief? What Does it Mean to Say "I Believe" Something is True?
Beliefs Matter Because Beliefs Compel Action, Attitudes, and Behavior
By Austin Cline, About.com
My Opinions Matter
Nora Lupi - Madison, Wisconsin, As heard on The Bob Edwards, Show, August 31, 2012
Please read at least one of these articles on the importance of belief.
What is Belief? What Does it Mean to Say "I Believe" Something is True?
Beliefs Matter Because Beliefs Compel Action, Attitudes, and Behavior
By Austin Cline, About.com
My Opinions Matter
Nora Lupi - Madison, Wisconsin, As heard on The Bob Edwards, Show, August 31, 2012
List of Christian Creeds: What do Christians Believe?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of creeds that have been used as testaments of faith by different Christian communities throughout history. Sometimes they were used as a teaching tool. Somethings they were used as a test of faith before one could join a church. Explore several of them and compare them to the UCC Statement of Faith.
Creed Date Accepted by Original name Notes Link to text
Apostles' Creed 200-900 Nearly all Christian denominations Lat.: Symbolum Apostolorum or Symbolum
Apostolicum The origin of the creed is unknown. "Apostles' Creed".
Creed of Nicaea 325 Product of the first ecumenical council in Nicaea which tried to solve the Arian controversy.[1]
Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed 381 Nearly all Christian denominations Expansion and revision of the 325 Creed of Nicaea. Refutes apollinarism and a later addition, the Filioque clause, resulted in disagreements between Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity. "Nicene Creed".
Chalcedonian Creed 451 Council of Chalcedon Athanasian Creed 500 Nearly all Christian denominations
Lat.: Quicumque vult
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of creeds that have been used as testaments of faith by different Christian communities throughout history. Sometimes they were used as a teaching tool. Somethings they were used as a test of faith before one could join a church. Explore several of them and compare them to the UCC Statement of Faith.
Creed Date Accepted by Original name Notes Link to text
Apostles' Creed 200-900 Nearly all Christian denominations Lat.: Symbolum Apostolorum or Symbolum
Apostolicum The origin of the creed is unknown. "Apostles' Creed".
Creed of Nicaea 325 Product of the first ecumenical council in Nicaea which tried to solve the Arian controversy.[1]
Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed 381 Nearly all Christian denominations Expansion and revision of the 325 Creed of Nicaea. Refutes apollinarism and a later addition, the Filioque clause, resulted in disagreements between Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity. "Nicene Creed".
Chalcedonian Creed 451 Council of Chalcedon Athanasian Creed 500 Nearly all Christian denominations
Lat.: Quicumque vult
Ritual
Some people find meaning and comfort by participating in religious rituals. Rituals open our hearts to deeper meaning for the events and transitions in our lives and ground us in a common experience through which we might glimpse something bigger than ourselves.
Ritual is important. There is a difference between doing something habitually and doing something ritually. It engages different parts of our brains and forms us in different ways.
"First you begin to behave in a committed way and then you understand the truths of religion." Karen Armstrong
Ritual is important. There is a difference between doing something habitually and doing something ritually. It engages different parts of our brains and forms us in different ways.
"First you begin to behave in a committed way and then you understand the truths of religion." Karen Armstrong
The difference between ritual and routine
from http://www.theemotionmachine.com/routines-vs-rituals
"The difference between a routine and a ritual is not the action,
but the attitude behind the action.
To some, a routine is getting up every morning, brushing your teeth, taking a
shower, getting dressed, and going to work. It is not a meaningful part of our
day, but it needs to get done so we do it. It’s a chore.
Rituals, on the other hand, are viewed as more meaningful practices. Often,
there is symbolism involved, and a real sense of purpose. A big part of it is
your subjective experience of the activity."
Read More...
but the attitude behind the action.
To some, a routine is getting up every morning, brushing your teeth, taking a
shower, getting dressed, and going to work. It is not a meaningful part of our
day, but it needs to get done so we do it. It’s a chore.
Rituals, on the other hand, are viewed as more meaningful practices. Often,
there is symbolism involved, and a real sense of purpose. A big part of it is
your subjective experience of the activity."
Read More...
from http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-articles/faith-and-rituals/fasting-and-feasting
"The task of making rituals logical began in the 19th century, when all things
that could not be explained through science came to be viewed as inferior.
Rituals, however, have been adapted by cultures to communicate ideas that shape
the imagination and hence impact our emotions and well-being.
One can look at special occasions through the lens of food. There are festivals like
Annakoota and Deepavali when special food items are prepared and feasts are
organised among friends and relatives. Special food is cooked on special
occasions in honour of particular deities. These are festivals of indulgence.
Then, there are festivals when food is not cooked."
Read More...
"The task of making rituals logical began in the 19th century, when all things
that could not be explained through science came to be viewed as inferior.
Rituals, however, have been adapted by cultures to communicate ideas that shape
the imagination and hence impact our emotions and well-being.
One can look at special occasions through the lens of food. There are festivals like
Annakoota and Deepavali when special food items are prepared and feasts are
organised among friends and relatives. Special food is cooked on special
occasions in honour of particular deities. These are festivals of indulgence.
Then, there are festivals when food is not cooked."
Read More...
click here for a list of christian rituals
Community
Religious communities offer a way of being together, of feeling a sense of belonging. Religious stories encourage us to treat others in ways that are in line with our values and beliefs. By practicing our faith together, we allow ourselves to be accountable to others who hold similar values and can mirror for us the behaviors we want to emulate. Being part of a community can help us feel the presence of the divine as we give and receive support.
tradition
tra·di·tion
(tr-dshn)
n.
1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
2. a. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage. b. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: followed family tradition in dress and manners. See Synonyms at heritage. 3. A body of unwritten religious precepts.
4. A time-honored practice or set of such practices.
Read More...
Some people find it meaningful to remain in contact with the traditions of their ancestors.
"Holiday traditions serve an important role in the lives of children. Here are
some of the primary benefits of holiday traditions for children, tweens and
teens.
Holiday Traditions Create Stability
Although children often seek out novelty-such as the newest video game or
movie-they also crave stability in their lives. This is especially the case for
tweens and teens, who are experiencing rapid and often confusing changes
in their social, emotional and physical worlds. Holiday traditions serve as touchstones
that the family returns to year after year, no matter what happens. This helps
developing children feel grounded and secure, in spite of all the shifting that is occurring within and around them.
Holiday Traditions Help Children Feel Useful..."
From http://tweenparenting.about.com/od/familyhome/a/Holiday-Traditions.htm
Read More...
1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
2. a. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage. b. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: followed family tradition in dress and manners. See Synonyms at heritage. 3. A body of unwritten religious precepts.
4. A time-honored practice or set of such practices.
Read More...
Some people find it meaningful to remain in contact with the traditions of their ancestors.
"Holiday traditions serve an important role in the lives of children. Here are
some of the primary benefits of holiday traditions for children, tweens and
teens.
Holiday Traditions Create Stability
Although children often seek out novelty-such as the newest video game or
movie-they also crave stability in their lives. This is especially the case for
tweens and teens, who are experiencing rapid and often confusing changes
in their social, emotional and physical worlds. Holiday traditions serve as touchstones
that the family returns to year after year, no matter what happens. This helps
developing children feel grounded and secure, in spite of all the shifting that is occurring within and around them.
Holiday Traditions Help Children Feel Useful..."
From http://tweenparenting.about.com/od/familyhome/a/Holiday-Traditions.htm
Read More...
ordering time
Religions organize the calendar so that you have special times to reflect upon important stories and traditions in ways that encourage us to connect to and foster the values of our faith. The cycle of feasting and fasting helps us live in moderation while gaining the wisdom that can be found in occasionally experiencing excess.
Such ordering of time allows us to anticipate and respond to changes in the natural world, such as seasons, and changes in the human world, such as school calendars. Imagine a year with no holidays, no Christmas, no Easter... Such celebrations break up the monotony of our lives and help us change focus from routine to ritual.
Such ordering of time allows us to anticipate and respond to changes in the natural world, such as seasons, and changes in the human world, such as school calendars. Imagine a year with no holidays, no Christmas, no Easter... Such celebrations break up the monotony of our lives and help us change focus from routine to ritual.
odering time during ramadan
"The holy month of Ramadan is divided into three parts. During the first 10
days, Muslims' thoughts and prayers are focused on being merciful and
charitable. The second 10 days emphasize the value of forgiveness. The final
10-day segment, which concludes this weekend with the fast-breaking feast Eid
al-Fitr, is the time when God redeems our souls by granting the kingdom of
heaven to the faithful.
But for Muslims, the whole month of Ramadan is a welcome opportunity to
demonstrate emotional and physical self-control. In addition to denying
ourselves food from sunrise to sunset, we also abstain from any behaviors that
might be a distraction from our spiritual well-being, such as dishonesty, hate,
envy and selfishness. These efforts nourish and renew our spiritual and mental
health."
from http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/fasting-benefits-the-mind-and-body/1245996
Read More...
days, Muslims' thoughts and prayers are focused on being merciful and
charitable. The second 10 days emphasize the value of forgiveness. The final
10-day segment, which concludes this weekend with the fast-breaking feast Eid
al-Fitr, is the time when God redeems our souls by granting the kingdom of
heaven to the faithful.
But for Muslims, the whole month of Ramadan is a welcome opportunity to
demonstrate emotional and physical self-control. In addition to denying
ourselves food from sunrise to sunset, we also abstain from any behaviors that
might be a distraction from our spiritual well-being, such as dishonesty, hate,
envy and selfishness. These efforts nourish and renew our spiritual and mental
health."
from http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/fasting-benefits-the-mind-and-body/1245996
Read More...
Caretaking
Matthew 25:31-46
The Message (MSG)
The Sheep and the Goats31-33 “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Recent studies in happiness hold up many ways we can behave to increase our ability to be happy. Many of these behaviors happen naturally in the context of a religious community, most significant is that religious communities are care-taking communities that show love for us when we are in need and provide opportunities for us to serve others.
To have someone bring you food when you are too sick to cook, or to visit you in the hospital, or help you plan a difficult life transition, to know you never have to walk alone, makes life bearable. To do these things for others makes life joyous.
The Message (MSG)
The Sheep and the Goats31-33 “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Recent studies in happiness hold up many ways we can behave to increase our ability to be happy. Many of these behaviors happen naturally in the context of a religious community, most significant is that religious communities are care-taking communities that show love for us when we are in need and provide opportunities for us to serve others.
To have someone bring you food when you are too sick to cook, or to visit you in the hospital, or help you plan a difficult life transition, to know you never have to walk alone, makes life bearable. To do these things for others makes life joyous.
In Giving, I Believe
James - Wichita, Kansas Entered on November 30, 2005
James - Wichita, Kansas Entered on November 30, 2005
"Simply, I believe in giving.
I believe in giving with ones whole heart, without thought to the personal
ramifications of the gift. I believe that giving must be personal, and that the
gift must heavily impact the giver. And I believe that generosity is the most
contagious thing in the universe.
Generosity is some times taken advantage of. The cure to this is increased
generosity. If you give and give and give, it is impossible for another to
simply continue to take what they do not need. Token generosity will be taken
advantage of, but true generosity never will."
Read More...
I believe in giving with ones whole heart, without thought to the personal
ramifications of the gift. I believe that giving must be personal, and that the
gift must heavily impact the giver. And I believe that generosity is the most
contagious thing in the universe.
Generosity is some times taken advantage of. The cure to this is increased
generosity. If you give and give and give, it is impossible for another to
simply continue to take what they do not need. Token generosity will be taken
advantage of, but true generosity never will."
Read More...
Tzedakah
The Meaning of the Word "Tzedakah"
from http://www.jewfaq.org/tzedakah.htm
"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English:
giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy
causes. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of
charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous
act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word
"tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness,
justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a
generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness,
the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.
Read More...
from http://www.jewfaq.org/tzedakah.htm
"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English:
giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy
causes. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of
charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous
act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word
"tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness,
justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a
generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness,
the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.
Read More...
curiosity
The big questions
Throughout history there are certain big questions humans have sought answers to.
How was the Earth created?
What happens when we die?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
What is the meaning of life?
How can I feel connected to something bigger than myself?
Curiosity about these things has led people to seek answers in religious settings.
Take, for example: What happens when we die?
"Despite the gigantic leaps made by science in the last few decades, a
comprehensive explanation of what exactly happens to us when we die is yet to
emerge. Simultaneously, more research than ever before has now been done on
near-death experiences -- those fleeting, almost supernatural experiences that
hundreds of thousands of people have reported feeling on the brink of death.
This oxymoronic combination of progress and the lack of it has meant that a
variety of theories on death have emerged in the last several years. "
from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/23/what-happen-when-we-die_n_882738.html#s296717&title=There_Is_An
Read More...
Click here for new research Scientists Say 'Life After Death' May Be Possible, In A Way The Huffington Post | By Macrina Cooper-White
Or: Why do bad things happen to Good people?
"Are you sure you want an explanation? Do you really want to know why the
innocent suffer? I think not. You are far better off with the question than with
an answer.
You are bothered by the fact that people suffer undeservedly. As you should
be. Any person with an ounce of moral sensitivity is outraged by the injustices
of our world. Abraham, the first Jew, asked G-d, "Should the Judge of the whole world not act
fairly?" Moses asked, "Why have You treated this people badly?" And today we still ask, "Why G‑d, why?"
But what if we found the answer? What if someone came along and gave us a
satisfying explanation? What if the mystery were finally solved? What if we
asked why, and actually got an answer?"
from http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/622117/jewish/Why-Do-Bad-Things-Happen-to-Good-People.htm
Read More...
Journal Writing: What are your big questions? What cosmic issues intrigue you? What are you curious about, but haven't found an adequate answer?
How was the Earth created?
What happens when we die?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
What is the meaning of life?
How can I feel connected to something bigger than myself?
Curiosity about these things has led people to seek answers in religious settings.
Take, for example: What happens when we die?
"Despite the gigantic leaps made by science in the last few decades, a
comprehensive explanation of what exactly happens to us when we die is yet to
emerge. Simultaneously, more research than ever before has now been done on
near-death experiences -- those fleeting, almost supernatural experiences that
hundreds of thousands of people have reported feeling on the brink of death.
This oxymoronic combination of progress and the lack of it has meant that a
variety of theories on death have emerged in the last several years. "
from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/23/what-happen-when-we-die_n_882738.html#s296717&title=There_Is_An
Read More...
Click here for new research Scientists Say 'Life After Death' May Be Possible, In A Way The Huffington Post | By Macrina Cooper-White
Or: Why do bad things happen to Good people?
"Are you sure you want an explanation? Do you really want to know why the
innocent suffer? I think not. You are far better off with the question than with
an answer.
You are bothered by the fact that people suffer undeservedly. As you should
be. Any person with an ounce of moral sensitivity is outraged by the injustices
of our world. Abraham, the first Jew, asked G-d, "Should the Judge of the whole world not act
fairly?" Moses asked, "Why have You treated this people badly?" And today we still ask, "Why G‑d, why?"
But what if we found the answer? What if someone came along and gave us a
satisfying explanation? What if the mystery were finally solved? What if we
asked why, and actually got an answer?"
from http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/622117/jewish/Why-Do-Bad-Things-Happen-to-Good-People.htm
Read More...
Journal Writing: What are your big questions? What cosmic issues intrigue you? What are you curious about, but haven't found an adequate answer?
Neurotheology
New research is showing that the practices of religion can actually change your brain for the better.
"Scientists are making the first attempts to understand spiritual experience —
and what happens in the brains and bodies of people who believe they
connect with the divine.
The field is called "neurotheology," and although it is new, it's drawing
prominent researchers in the U.S. and Canada. Scientists have found that the
brains of people who spend untold hours in prayer and meditation are different."
from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104310443
Read More...
"Scientists are making the first attempts to understand spiritual experience —
and what happens in the brains and bodies of people who believe they
connect with the divine.
The field is called "neurotheology," and although it is new, it's drawing
prominent researchers in the U.S. and Canada. Scientists have found that the
brains of people who spend untold hours in prayer and meditation are different."
from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104310443
Read More...