Episode 37: Andrew Newberg
At an early age, human beings start to ask a lot of questions about life. There are many things we do not understand in this world, especially about religion and the existence of God. Which is why having passion for inquiry can be a very powerful asset to have if you want to discover what is truly real and existing. Never allow people to hinder you from asking these questions because they foster personal and spiritual growth.
In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Newberg, the director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital, talks about neurotheology. This is a very fascinating scientific study or emerging field of discipline that seeks to understand the relationship between our brain and religion. Since Dr. Andrew was young, he was already interested in the human mind and what we perceive as truths. Today, he has written over ten books on neurotheology! Dr. Andrew and Danny also tackle the difference between spirituality and religion, definition of soul, existence of God, and many more interesting topics!
Join Danny in this inspirational episode to learn more about how understanding the relationship of our brain and religion can enlighten us about spirituality to know ourselves better!
Show Highlights:
· [03:10] What propelled him to get into the field of neurotheology.
· [05:24] Dr. Andrew’s age when he started asking a lot of questions.
· [07:46] His favorite book out of the ten books he has written.
· [10:11] All about neurotheology and why it is important.
· [12:22] The difference of religiousness and being spiritual.
· [15:25] How can you say that something is really real?
· [20:29] Areas of the brain that are active when we think about God.
· [23:02] Silence, meditation and being still.
· [25:32] The frontal lobes are involved in helping us focus our attention.
· [27:54] Dr. Andrew’s definition and description of a soul.
· [30:02] How can you prove the existence of God?
· [34:32] Acknowledging the limitations of our brain and becoming empathetic.
· [37:12] How having spiritual connections help people overcome hard times.
· [40:38] Ways to develop your connection more with God.
· [45:07] Have passion for inquiry and find your own beliefs.
Links:
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