Abstract
Thanks to the analysis recently carried out by studies on religion from a neurotheological perspective, the present research proposes to understand spirituality as an integral response of human physiology and consciousness to a variety of stimuli caused by social and repetitive behaviors, which give rise to an increase in a feeling of well-being and a noticeable decrease in anxiety, associated with uncertainty. These stimuli in turn seek their periodic replication in cultural supports that religions would have developed as practical and theoretical constructs from various narratives developed since the first centuries of human civilization. Some spiritual narratives and practices, such as those of Christian tradition, would help to cope with uncertainty, without overcoming vulnerability, but welcoming it as part of the same spiritual experience. The research seeks to test this hypothesis through a theoretical framework from which it is proposed to develop an initially qualitative research instrument to be applied in communities of contemplative religious women. Some of the initial questions should address how effective religion and its techniques or narratives are in producing in the individual an experience that lessens the uncertainty or anxiety underlying the awareness of the precariousness of the fact of existence, while accepting the intrinsic vulnerability of the human experience in the face of pain, meaninglessness or, ultimately, death. Likewise, the link between the theoretical postulation of a transcendental dimension and its relationship with the application of religious techniques or practices are investigated, as well as its effectiveness in accepting the aforementioned existential vulnerability.
Presenters
Juan Dejo BendezúVice President of Research, Philosophy and Theology, University Antonio Ruiz de Montoya, Lima, Peru
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
VULNERABILITY, CATHOLIC CONTEMPLATION, UNCERTAINTY, SPIRITUALITY, MEANING OF LIFE
