Andrew Newberg: God and the Brain
In this week’s episode of Insights at the Edge, Tami Simon speaks with Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of research at the Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical College, and adjunct assistant professor in the department of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Tami asks Dr. Newberg about some of the new findings in the emerging field of neurotheology, which studies the links between faith, neurobiology, and the mysteries of the psyche. What changes take place in the brain of people who meditate or pray? What happens when we die? How does faith influence both our brain chemistry and the overall quality of our lives? Join Tami Simon and Dr. Andrew Newberg for a fascinating discussion of these questions and more. (63 minutes)
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what a fantastic experience to listen to dr. newberg on the last day of 2011. it has been a negative year for me and i already feel ready today to have a greater positive experieince for 2012. i understand my faith more and how to improve my attitude. i cannot thank you enough for this.
Comment by sally seamon — December 31, 2011 @ 8:11 am
Great interview. Thank you. Very interesting to know where the science is at regarding the brain and spiritual practices.
Comment by David — January 1, 2012 @ 5:19 am
Andrew might not have all of the answers but he does have a few precious ones. A powerful one moment experience, like a mystical experience, can cause a lifelong positive change for us.
What would be a great positive change to hope for? For me, it might be the faith that the world and my life will unfold in a good, beautiful, and loving way. How could I justify such an exorbitant faith? If God is the ultimate good, beautiful, and loving and we and the world were made in Her image, perhaps this is the way we are destined to unfold. It could be so.
Thank you Andrew and Tami.
Comment by Stanley — January 13, 2012 @ 10:59 pm