#179 Justin Barrett: Cognition And Development In Religion
Dr. Justin L. Barrett is Professor of Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and Chief Project Developer for the Office for Science, Theology and Religion Iniciatives at Fuller Theological Seminary. Professor Barrett is regarded as one of the founders of the cognitive science of religion field. He’s also the author of books like Why Would Anyone Believe in God?, Cognitive Science, Religion, and Theology: From Human Minds to Divine Minds, and Born Believers: The Science of Children’s Religious Belief.
This is another episode about the cognitive science of religion. First, we discuss the aspects of religion that science can tackle and determine as right or wrong. After that, we briefly establish what a “belief” is. Then, we refer to some of the main cognitive mechanisms and aspects of child development associated with religious thinking. We also discuss if religion is better understood as a by-product of evolution or an adaptation itself. Toward the end, we talk about John Calvin’s sensus divinitatis, and also how the New Atheists tend to oversimplify religion.
Time Links:
The cognitive science of religion, and the scientific study of religion
The sorts of religious issues that science can tackle
What is “belief”?
The most important cognitive mechanisms behind religion
Child development and religious thinking
Is religion a by-product of evolution, or an adaptation itself?
The distinction between natural religion and theology
Calvin’s sensus divinitatis and “innate” religion
The New Atheists oversimplify religion
Follow Dr. Barrett’s work!
Follow Dr. Barrett’s work:
Faculty page: https://bit.ly/2FJQcpZ
Articles on Researchgate: https://bit.ly/2T8ZtjB
Amazon page: https://amzn.to/2TIvURj
Referrenced books/other sources:
Why Would Anyone Believe in God?: https://amzn.to/2CLDHbz
Cognitive Science, Religion, and Theology: https://amzn.to/2FHDZC7
Born Believers: https://amzn.to/2HW4RQt
Science, Theology, and Religion Initiatives: https://bit.ly/2uy5w2E
International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion: http://www.iacsr.com/
Religion, Brain & Behavior (journal): https://bit.ly/2V2hUmY
Journal of Cognition and Culture: https://bit.ly/2THai8a
Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion: https://bit.ly/2gTYw9g