A LITERATURE REVIEW OF NEUROTHEOLOGY: HOW RELIGION AFFECTS THE BRAIN

Abstract

Because of the 5.8 billion individuals in the world engage in religious practice, it is important to know how religiosity and religious practices affect the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of an individual. This fact is only enhanced by the fact that these numbers are expected to rise by 32% by 2060, according to a 2015 Pew Research study. 29By noting the various neurophysiologies between those who are religious and nonreligious, society can better understand the psychological processing that goes behind groups forming political policy, health care systems, and humanitarian efforts. Within this literature review, I research how genetic predisposition can impact associated religious affiliation, what influence spiritual experience has on the brain and how religious affiliation, or lack thereof, can mean for individual behavioral tendencies. The review concludes that there is a plethora of data showing both how religion affects the brain and how the genetically predisposed brain structure can influence religious practice.