The neuroscience of spiritual experiences | Patrick McNamara

Experimental neuroscientist Patrick McNamara on how we can harness spiritual experience to explore alternate realities in our minds, and transform our models of the self.

❍ Subscribe to The Well on YouTube: https://bit.ly/welcometothewell
❍ Up next: How enlightenment permanently alters your brain    • How enlightenment permanently alters ...  

Patrick McNamara, an experimental neuroscientist, argues that the function of religion is not just to quell existential anxiety or stave off the fear of death, but to disrupt current models of the self, and update those models in relation to the world around us. Religious experiences promote imaginative simulation of other possible worlds, giving us space to update those models respective of our circumstances.

One core facet of the spiritual experience is what McNamara calls ‘de-centering’ — a powerful neurotechnology that promotes self-transformation, but which makes us incredibly vulnerable when triggered. When held in the context of a ritual, like many religious practices promote, we can achieve massive growth and transcendence. But de-centering isn’t just safe within the context of religion: non-religious people can re-discover or create their own rich traditions to support the de-centering experience.

The field of experimental neuroscience is uncovering some fundamental aspects of human nature and human experience, simultaneously enhancing our understanding of this realm but also deepening the mystery. McNamara's research sheds light on the potential benefits of religion and ritual, and highlights how much more is still to be learned about how these processes can be harnessed for positive transformation.

Read the full video transcript: https://bigthink.com/the-well/neurosc...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

❍ About The Well ❍

Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds.

So what do they think?

How is the power of science advancing understanding? How are philosophers and theologians tackling these fascinating questions?

Let’s dive into The Well.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join The Well on your favorite platforms:
❍ Facebook: https://bit.ly/thewellFB
❍ Instagram: https://bit.ly/thewellIG