The Neural Basis of Religious Cognition

The Neural Basis of Religious Cognition brings together leading researchers from psychology, neuroscience, and religious studies to identify the neural circuits underlying various aspects of religious behavior and cognition. This book presents cutting‑edge research in the cognitive neuroscience of religion, demonstrating how brain research techniques can illuminate the puzzles and complexities of religious experience.

Understanding the neural foundations of religious cognition holds both historical significance and contemporary relevance for human understanding, potentially revealing insights into uniquely human aspects of social brain functioning. Through in‑depth explorations of diverse topics, including prayer, psychedelic experiences, and the impact of neurodegenerative disorders on religious cognition, this book provides extensive coverage of this emerging interdisciplinary field. The research presented offers valuable knowledge about how the brain processes religious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, contributing to broader understanding of human consciousness and spirituality.

This book provides in-depth explorations of various topics within the cognitive neuroscience of religion, including prayer, psychedelics, and the impact of neurodegenerative disorders, making it a must-read for all researchers of the psychology of religion.

Jordan Grafman is Director of Brain Injury Research at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, IL, USA, and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. Co‑PI Cognitive Neuroscience of Religious Cognition (CNRC) Project (cognitiveneuroscienceofreligion.org).

Patrick McNamara is Professor of Psychology at National University, San Diego, California, USA, and Associate Professor of Neurology at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA. Co‑PI CNRC Project (cognitiveneuroscienceofreligion.org).