God on the Brain

The Nexus of Religious Faith & Mental Well-Being

September 23, 2023
Randolph-Macon College & via Zoom

Religion is often cast in opposition to science. Yet both are deeply rooted in the inner workings of the human brain. Advances in cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging technology have given rise to the expanding field of “neurotheology,” the scientific study of religious and spiritual phenomena.

Breakthrough research tells us much about:
• The positive impacts of religious and spiritual
practices on mental health, well-being and aging
• The psychology and neuroscience of profoundly meaningful experiences
• Why religious practices and belief in God are among the most powerful tools for helping the brain do its thing — self-maintenance and self-transcendence
• How findings from neurotheology inform personal ministry to our communities and circles of care, as we meet the dual challenges of decline in religiosity and an epidemic of mental unwellness?

JOIN US FOR THIS ONE-DAY EVENT, either in-person at Randolph Macon College or virtually via Zoom.

Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Andrew Newberg, a pioneer in the field of Neurotheology and professor at the Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

Dr. Andrew Newberg studies the relationship between brain function and various mental states. His research in the neurology of religious and spiritual experiences includes taking brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, aiming to better understand the nature of religious and spiritual practices. Learn more about Dr. Newberg…

Continuing education credits will be available for clergy and mental health professionals in combination with required reading of one of Dr. Newberg’s books.

Registration opens soon — sign up for the symposium email list, and we’ll contact you as soon as registration opens:

Sign up for the mailing list so you’ll be notified when registration opens!

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Why the focus on the brain and mental well-being for this one-day symposium?

The isolation as a result of the pandemic has increased the level of stress for many, as suicides and the incidence of mental health challenges rise dramatically. This special one-day consortium is open to students, pastors and the general population — all ages are welcome.

Continuing education credits will be available for clergy and mental health professionals in combination with required reading of one of Dr. Newberg’s books

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

• Addiction
• Anxiety/Depression/Suicide
• Aging & Brain Health
• Grief
• Neurodiversity
• Self-Care