Justin Barrett – What Can We Learn from Cognitive Science?

Ogilvie Institute

Cognitive science, as the scientific study of the mind—how we think, feel, learn, and act—has many valuable lessons for the Church, from theological anthropology and apologetics to effective pedagogy and pastoring. In particular, cognitive science of religion—a specific application of cognitive science to why certain beliefs and behaviors we call ‘religious’ are cross-culturally recurrent—may have some valuable insights. Further, concerns of the Church may help direct and mature the development of cognitive science of religion resulting in a stronger science that is even more useful to the Church. This seminar will introduce cognitive science, cognitive science of religion, and begin to suggest ways in which this science may be valuable to church leaders and theologians.

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