Catholic Neurotheology

<p>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.</p>