Prayer and meditation are key features of religious and spiritual practices around the world, suggesting they’re intimately linked to the human condition. But what is going on in the brain during prayer? And is praying beneficial for our mental health?
CrowdScience listener Hilary is keen to find answers to such questions. She’s a counsellor with a strong Christian faith, and is curious to know whether science can illuminate religious and spiritual practices.
Presenter Caroline Steel talks to neuroscientists researching how our brains respond to prayer and meditation; and practices mindfulness herself to explore its similarities to prayer. She discovers that having a relationship with God may depend on more than religious practice. And is there a ‘spiritual part’ to our brains? Or is prayer just one activity among many - like going for a walk or playing music - that can have similar effects on our state of mind?
Featuring: Professor Andrew Newberg, Director of Research Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, USA Tessa Watt, mindfulness teacher Ven. Hin Hung Sik, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong Dr Junling Gao, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong Dr Blake Victor Kent, Westmont College, USA
Presenter: Caroline Steel Producer: Jo Glanville Editor: Cathy Edwards Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Production Co-ordinator: Liz Tuohy
(Photo: A crowd of people praying. Credit: Digital Vision/Getty Images)
Why does wine taste better over time?
Will mountains shrink as sea levels rise?
Why are people still dying from malaria?
Why am I bad at maths?
How should we protect our coastlines?
Are our coastlines being washed away?
How do my ears sense direction?
How many people have ever existed?
Could climate change lead to more volcanic eruptions?
Do animals have anxious habits like us?
Is the BMI fatphobic?
Do we all see the same colour?
How bad is our data for the planet?
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
What time was the first clock set to?
When will the next earthquake hit?
Why do we daydream?
How should we measure cleverness?
Were humans ever semi-aquatic?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Global News Podcast
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
You’re Dead to Me
Elis James and John Robins