Recordings of the 2023 Fox Endowment Symposium on Faith & Science
God on the Brain
The Nexus of Religious Faith & Mental Well-Being
On September 23, 2023, a group of 80 participants attended the Fox Endowment Symposium on Faith & Science. The theme of the day-long event was “God on the Brain — the Nexus of Religious Faith & Mental Well-Being.” In addition to the in-person attendees, dozens participated online via livestream interfaces.
Renowned neuroscientist and neurotheology researcher Dr. Andrew Newberg, MD, held a fascinating keynote presentation entitled “Neurotheological Perspectives.” A highly tangible aspect of his research are the brain scans of people before, during and after prayer or meditation.
Following the keynote address, Dr. Newberg and three other panelists with various perspectives on faith and ministry engaged in a roundtable discussion of questions from online and in-person participants.
In the afternoon, five different workshops were held on brain and mental health topics such as dementia, anxiety and depression, self-care and the importance of community.
You can watch each of the videos from the day’s event by clicking the thumbnail images below.
Keynote: God on the Brain Neurotheological Perspectives
Presenter: Dr. Andrew Newberg, MD
A compelling presentation by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg, MD, 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.
Anxiety & Depression: Signs, Strategies & Hope
Presenter: Heather Shaheen, L.C.S.W., M.A.C.E., M.Ed.
In this session, we discuss what anxiety and depression look like, warning signs to recognize in yourself or others, practical strategies to manage symptoms and finding hope.
Heather Shaheen has provided quality treatment to children, adolescents, adults and families for more than two decades in the Richmond region. Her career experience includes serving as the licensed clinical social worker and director of missions and outreach with New Song Church since 2003.
Dementia Doesn’t Diminish a Person
Presenter: The Rev. Kendra Grimes, M.Div.
Dementia has a profound effect on millions of people around the world. But all too often, we see those with dementia as less than human. People frequently say things like, “She is no longer there” or “He’s not himself.” Explore dementia through a theological lens with some practical suggestions for engaging, supporting and valuing our community members with dementia.
The Rev. Kendra Grimes serves as chaplain and director of church relations at Randolph-Macon College. An elder in the UMC, she has served congregations in Virginia and northern Georgia.
Life is a WE Thing
Presenter: Keith Cartwright
God and science echo together: “It is not good for man to be alone.” Our brains are wired to need one another. Our divine design is to find ultimate protection and healing in togetherness. Yet we live in a culture where the surgeon general has declared a loneliness epidemic amid an unprecedented mental health crisis. This session provides practical steps to build togetherness in our homes, communities and churches.
Keith Cartwright works as the adverse childhood experiences coordinator for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. He also serves as the alcohol and drug education coordinator at Randolph-Macon College. In both roles, Keith promotes the value of human connection as our greatest prevention of and solution to human unwellness.
Love Thyself: Theology & Practices of Self-Care
The Rev. Andrew Ware (“The RunninRev”)
Burnout has become a prevalent talking point in our post-pandemic culture. Self-care is more than just taking days off of work, we seek to acknowledge the faithful perspective of caring for yourself and engaging a holistic ritual of valuing each individual’s self-worth and practices that create a positive mental mindset.
The Rev. Andrew Ware is a husband, father, friend, pastor, runner, advocate, podcaster and writer. Currently, he serves at Beech Grove United Methodist Church in Suffolk, Virginia. Andrew discovered a passion for self-care advocacy upon facing burnout during the pandemic amid mounting responsibilities as a pastor within a changing church landscape. The need for self-care was magnified tenfold as Andrew struggled to find a new understanding of the church in the midst of a new community.
Sacred Pause: Inhabiting Practices of Mindfulness as Soul Care
Presenter: The Rev. Suzanne L. Vinson
As caring professionals, students, clergy and human beings, we long for connection and belonging. We often yearn for a break in the pace of our daily living. During this workshop, you’ll experience mindfulness as soul care through micro-practices of free writing, guided meditation, mark-making and doodling, while listening to inner wisdom.
The Rev. Suzanne L. Vinson is an artist, retreat leader and minister living an intentional life toward wholeness, kind-hearted listening and compassionate care. Over the last 20 years, Suzanne has served in roles as a pastor, chaplain, bereavement group facilitator and minister. At the heart of her ministry is walking alongside others in times of grief, crisis and everyday living as they experience healing through creativity, reflection and mindful practices.
