Intersection of neuroscience, religious practice examined in April 28 symposium

Deepening the dialogue between scholars of contemplative religious practice and neuroscientists interested in the effect of those regimens on the brain is the focus of a daylong campus symposium on Thursday, April 28.

The symposium is being co-hosted by the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, at the Waisman Center (CIHM) and the Lubar Institute for the Study of the Abrahamic Religions (LISAR), both at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

LISAR and CIHM will explore whether Richard J. Davidson’s groundbreaking work with Buddhist meditation can be meaningfully expanded to include the Abrahamic Faiths — Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

“The intersection between neuroscience and contemplative traditions continues to offer insights into how we cultivate healthy qualities of mind, and I look forward to expanding this conversation with my colleagues studying the Abrahamic Faiths,” says Davidson, founder and chair of CIHM.  

“For our part, we are delighted to inaugurate a collaboration with colleagues in the hard sciences and look forward to where it might lead'” says Charles Cohen, professor of history and religious studies and director of LISAR.

Later that evening, a public panel titled “This Is Your Brain on Religion” will take place at 7:30 p.m. in 2122 Grainger Hall. Registration is required for this free community event.

Panelists include:

— Elliot Wolfson, Abraham Lieberman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, NYU;

— Andrew Dreitcer, co-director of the Center for Engaged Compassion and associate professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate College;

— Vincent Cornell, Asa G. Candler Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Emory University;

— John Dunne, associate professor of religion, Emory University, and,

— Michael Spezio, assistant professor of psychology, Scripps College.

During this event, the participating religionists and neuroscientists will summarize discussions from the earlier symposium and invite the audience to further the conversation.

This panel will also be live-streamed. Click here for more details on the event.

The Isthmus Society is also a sponsor of what should be UW–Madison’s first foray into the study of how contemplative practice in the Abrahamic faiths can effect health and well being.