Exploring neural underpinning of Christian faith: How far can we go?

Neuroimaging studies show that spiritual and religious beliefs engage the same brain regions as secular cognition. Christian faith, defined by belief, trust, commitment, and practices such as prayer, has been examined in only a few neuroimaging studies: three on propositional belief, five on prayer, and two on spiritual practice. The authors propose that Christian commitment and practice may, over time, shape dedicated neuronal structures and networks and interact with secular cognition. They formulate five hypotheses and methodological approaches to test them, and outline options for investigating the inner disposition of trust and commitment, an aspect not yet studied. Pursuing these investigations may reveal how faith is represented in and possibly modifies the brain.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Several neuroimaging studies demonstrated that spiritual/religious beliefs and practices rely on the same brain regions as secular cognition. Several reviews shaped the framework within which religious and secular cognition interacts, emphasizing the need for a precise definition of religiousness and spirituality. Christian faith presents a well-defined theological context, characterized by belief in its tenets; trust and commitment; and allegiance expressed as confession of faith or associated practices. Anthropological studies indicate that spiritual certainties develop with practice over longer periods of time. Only a few neuroimaging studies explored the neural correlates of Christian faith. Three investigated propositional belief, five prayer, and two spiritual practice. This sparse evidence leaves several key issues open. Christian commitment and practice may yield, over time, dedicated sets of neuronal structures and/or networks and foster interplay with secular cognition. To explore these aspects, we formulate five hypotheses and propose methodological approaches to test them. We also outline options to investigate the inner disposition of trust and commitment, which has not yet been studied in the context of Christian faith. Pursuing investigations into the neural underpinning of faith may not only reveal how the faith is represented in our brains, but also how faith possibly modifies it.