Catholic Neurotheology [Paperback]

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Catholic Neurotheology

by Andrew Newberg (Thomas Jefferson University), Mary Clare Smith (Sisters of Notre Dame)

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'Catholic Neuroethology' addresses a variety of issues that have only begun to be discussed or have not yet been discussed at all. Newberg and Smith are both courageous and well-informed as they seek a dialogue between theology and neuroscience. In doing so, they bring together a variety of resources across disciplines, integrate them, and present them in a readily understandable manner. This book can serve as an excellent resource for theologians and neuroscientists, as well as other readers interested in the intersection of science and theology.

Dr. James Beauregard
Neuropsychologist and professor
River University, Nashua, New Hampshire

This enlightening book explores the fascinating intersection of faith and neuroscience in Catholic Neurotheology. The topics are presented with scholarly rigor and expertise. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the relationship between mind, brain, and religious experience in Catholic theology and practice.

Rev. Dr. Juan Jose Sanguineti
Professor Emeritus of philosophy,
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome;
Current professor at Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dr. Andrew Newberg, M.D., and Sr. Mary Clare Smith, SND, Ph.D., have combined to produce an invaluable resource for those who choose to explore the newly emerging field of neurotheology from a Catholic perspective. The authors describe how the realms of the spiritual and physical interact in fascinating ways. A must-read for those delving into the interplay between the brain and religious experiences.

Rev. Dr. Gerald J. Bednar
Former professor of systematic theology
St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, Wickliffe, Ohio

A much-needed investigation into the nature of religious belief and the brain. It combines the best insights from the Catholic intellectual tradition with the discoveries of neuroscience, opening an ongoing and fruitful dialogue between faith and science.

Dr. Margarita Vega
Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology

The topic of “neurotheology” has garnered increasing attention in the academic, religious, scientific, and popular worlds. It is the field of study that explores the intersection between the brain and religious and spiritual phenomena. However, there have been no extensive attempts at exploring specifically how Catholic religious thought and experience may intersect with neurotheology. The purpose of 'Catholic Neurotheology' is to fully engage this groundbreaking area. Topics are related to a neurotheological approach to the foundational Catholic beliefs derived from Scripture and Tradition, an exploration of the various elements of Catholicism and of Catholic rituals and practices, and a review of Catholic spiritualities and mysticism. Specific Catholic scholars are considered in terms of the relationships among their ideas/teachings and different brain processes. 'Catholic Neurotheology' engages these topics in an easy-to-read style and incorporates scientific, religious, philosophical, and theological aspects of the emerging field of neurotheology. By reviewing the concepts in a stepwise, simple, yet thorough discussion, readers regardless of their background will be able to understand the complexities and breadth of neurotheology from a Catholic perspective. More broadly, issues include a review of the neurosciences and neuroscientific techniques; religious and spiritual experiences; theological development and analysis; liturgy and ritual; philosophy, epistemology, and ethics; and social implications, all from a Catholic perspective.

Acknowledgments
Author Note
Chapter 1 Introduction to Catholic Neurotheology
Chapter 2 Neurotheological Investigations in Catholic Thought
Chapter 3 Epistemological Considerations and Faith
Chapter 4 Methodology in Neuroscience and Catholicism
Chapter 5 Free Will and the Brain
Chapter 6 The Body’s Response to Religious Experience
Chapter 7 The Neurophysiology of Catholic Rituals
Chapter 8 The Neurophysiology of Catholic Practices
Chapter 9 Psychology and Catholicism
Chapter 10 Spirituality from a Neurotheological Perspective
Chapter 11 Mysticism, Catholicism, and the Brain
Chapter 12 Catholic Theological Implications
Chapter 13 Holiness, Grace, Soul, and the Brain
Chapter 14 Critique, Clarifications, and Future Directions
References
Index

Andrew B. Newberg is Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and Professor of the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Newberg has studied mystical and religious experiences throughout his career, in addition to using neuroimaging studies in evaluation of neurological and psychiatric disorders. He is considered a pioneer in the field of neurotheology, which seeks to link neuroscience with religious and spiritual experience. He has published over two hundred articles, essays, and book chapters. He is the author or co-author of ten books including the bestselling, 'How God Changes Your Brain' (Ballantine, 2009), and 'Why God Won’t Go Away' (Ballantine, 2001). He has presented his work at scientific and religious meetings throughout the world and has appeared on 'Good Morning America,' 'Nightline,' ABC’s 'World News Tonight,' 'Book TV,' 'Fresh Air,' London Talk Radio, the Discovery Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, National Public Radio, and the nationally distributed movies, 'What the Bleep Do We Know?' and Bill Maher’s movie 'Religulous.' His work has been written about in the 'Los Angeles Times,' 'Time,' 'Newsweek, Discover Magazine,' 'Reader’s Digest,' 'The Washington Post,' and 'The New York Times.'

Sr. Mary Clare Smith is a licensed psychologist and Sister of Notre Dame. She holds a PhD in counseling psychology from Cleveland State University and a master’s in religious education from the University of St. Thomas (Angelicum, Rome) through the Notre Dame Catechetical Institute, Virginia. She has served as a parish Director of Religious Education and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in religious studies, theology, comparative religions/philosophy, and psychology. She has served as a psychologist and art therapist/counselor with various populations and recently engaged in a neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship. She has given numerous professional presentations, recently on Neurobiology and Spiritual Growth.

Neurotheology, neuroscience, psychology, religion, spirituality, Catholicism, Christianity, prayer, spiritual experience