This first-of-its-kind study analyzed over 700 neuroscience-related resources and references from educators across the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada. It includes insights from dozens of interviews and survey results from educators at 19% of ATS programs, aiming to better understand their actions and attitudes towards neuroscience.
The collective knowledge of these educators provides deeper awareness of potential hopes and hazards of neuroscience. Many educators find neuroscience helpful in reflecting on our relationship with God, embodiment, and long-lasting character formation. The resources and references across ATS are organized by common themes so that educators can see how their colleagues reflect on neuroscience. The themes include: 1) theological anthropology, 2) health and suffering, 3) formation and practice(s), 4) pedagogy, 5) emotions, 6) ethics and neuroethics, 7) development, 8) technology – the internet, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism, 9) racism, prejudice, and bias, 10) sex, sexuality, and gender, and 11) art, architecture, and aesthetics.
The study also details how many educators warn against oversimplified or inaccurate neuroscience claims. Being more informed may help you discern what is useful or best to avoid.
Click the image below to access the research study. Initially, it was made available for free to ATS educators. Amazon only allows for five days of free book promotion. The study is now available for .99 cents. If there is need of a free copy for any reason, please use the contact page.
Bryan Spoon (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is an Episcopal priest and Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains. After completing his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, he served as a pediatric hospital chaplain in Level I Trauma Centers. This study presents the research from his doctoral dissertation.
