Some think of religious faith as just that: a leap of faith. But psychologists are increasingly filling in the gaps in our understanding of how beliefs shape — and are shaped by — the human mind. This week, psychologist Ara Norenzayan explores features in the brain that are tied to our capacity for faith. And he shows how all of us, both religious and non-re ... Show More
Yesterday
Designing a Life that Matters
We tell ourselves that meaning comes from impact, passion, or finding the “one right path.” But these beliefs can leave us feeling stuck — even when our lives look perfectly fine on paper. Behavioral scientist Dave Evans describes a new approach, borrowed from design thinking, to ... Show More
51m 6s
Nov 2021
What can science teach us about the benefits of religion? With David DeSteno, PhD
For thousands of years, people have turned to religion to answer questions about how to lead a happy, moral and fulfilling life. David DeSteno, PhD, a psychology professor at Northeastern University and author of the book “How God Works,” discusses how the structures and traditio ... Show More
35m 39s
Oct 2023
[Faith] Episode 27: Christin Fort - Attachment Theory & God
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Christin Fort and Jared discuss how attachment theory plays into our perceptions of God, the impact of theology on mental health, and how understanding ourselves better psychologically could enrich our faith.
Show Notes →
**********
Th ... Show More
52m 43s
Sep 2023
Hans Van Eyghen, "The Epistemology of Spirit Beliefs" (Routledge, 2023)
Hans Van Eyghen's book The Epistemology of Spirit Beliefs (Routledge, 2023) assesses whether belief in spirits is epistemically justified. It presents two arguments in support of the existence of spirits and arguments that experiences of various sorts (perceptions, mediumship, po ... Show More
37m 6s
Jun 2023
Are you angry at God? How spirituality and spiritual struggle affect us, with Julie Exline, PhD
Religion and spirituality can be a source of comfort and strength but can also cause stress and conflict in people’s lives, when for example they wonder why God has allowed something terrible to happen or feel rejected by their religious community. Julie Exline, PhD, of Case West ... Show More
35m 15s
