Rituals of ultimacy: a neurotheological account of James K.A. Smith’s post-secular liturgy

ABSTRACT

Andrew Newberg has argued for bringing neuroscience and theology into more fruitful dialogue through a methodology he calls neurotheology. Additionally, the Christian philosopher James K. A. Smith has argued for a shift in understanding theological formation, away from an emphasis on cognitive belief and towards an appreciation of embodied ritual and his definition of liturgy. Following Newberg’s neurotheological methodology, this article argues that recent neuroscientific research supports Smith’s conception of liturgy. Moreover, by rejecting the exaggerated importance of intellect-focused accounts of religious formation, a neurotheological account of liturgy can contribute to a reconceptualization of personal identity, worldview, knowledge, and learning in general.

KEYWORDS:

• Neuroscience
• post-secular
• liturgy
• moral formation
• ritual

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Jeffery Porter

Jeffery Porter is a PhD Candidate in Religion and Culture at the Catholic University of America. While his doctoral thesis is on secularism, education and moral formation, he is also interested in Christian discipleship and serves as a pastoral assistant at Cornerstone Church in St Andrews, Scotland.