Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Dr. Andrew Newberg
Thomas Jefferson University
Neurotheology and the Exploration of Consciousness: 2022 Update
Abstract: This presentation will consider the relationship between the brain and religious and spiritual experiences, a field sometimes referred to as neurotheology. Since many religious and spiritual experiences are associated with altered states of consciousness, we will explore this overall relationship with the latest findings from brain scan studies, psychedelics, and other studies.
Bio: Andrew Newberg is an American neuroscientist who is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and the Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,[1] previously an Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and a Lecturer in Psychology in the Biological Basis of Behavior Program at the University of Pennsylvania.[2]
He has been a prominent researcher in the field of nuclear medical brain imaging and neurotheology. In particular, his research has focused on the development of neurotransmitter tracers for the evaluation of religiosity as well as neurological and psychiatric disorders including clinical depression, head injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
His 2010 book Principles of Neurotheology gives a basic understanding on the research done so far on neurotheology.
From the 2022 Annual Society for Consciousness Studies conference. SCS conferences reflects the values and goals of The Society for Consciousness Studies, a professional scholarly organization that honors work of quality from all authentic scholarly traditions, including philosophical, psychological, sociological, and other scientific understandings of consciousness. Within this broad framework the society explores potential advances beyond the classical and postmodern knowledge paradigms that have dominated science and scholarship during the past century. You can learn more at: https://consc.org.
Dr. Andrew Newberg
Thomas Jefferson University
Neurotheology and the Exploration of Consciousness: 2022 Update
Abstract: This presentation will consider the relationship between the brain and religious and spiritual experiences, a field sometimes referred to as neurotheology. Since many religious and spiritual experiences are associated with altered states of consciousness, we will explore this overall relationship with the latest findings from brain scan studies, psychedelics, and other studies.
Bio: Andrew Newberg is an American neuroscientist who is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and the Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,[1] previously an Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and a Lecturer in Psychology in the Biological Basis of Behavior Program at the University of Pennsylvania.[2]
He has been a prominent researcher in the field of nuclear medical brain imaging and neurotheology. In particular, his research has focused on the development of neurotransmitter tracers for the evaluation of religiosity as well as neurological and psychiatric disorders including clinical depression, head injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
His 2010 book Principles of Neurotheology gives a basic understanding on the research done so far on neurotheology.
From the 2022 Annual Society for Consciousness Studies conference. SCS conferences reflects the values and goals of The Society for Consciousness Studies, a professional scholarly organization that honors work of quality from all authentic scholarly traditions, including philosophical, psychological, sociological, and other scientific understandings of consciousness. Within this broad framework the society explores potential advances beyond the classical and postmodern knowledge paradigms that have dominated science and scholarship during the past century. You can learn more at: https://consc.org.
