Announcing the Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion

Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion, 2012

Over the past decade or so there has been an exponential growth in research in the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR). Yet despite this, there continues to be a lack of understanding, and sometimes blatant misunderstanding, about what characterizes the field. This state of affairs is due, in part, to the reluctance of those within the field to commit to a precise definition. CSR is broad in scope. It is also a relatively young academic approach to the study of religion and consequentially, is ever-expanding and often in a state of flux. Scholars have often characterized CSR by what it is not rather than what it is. In this paper, I argue that at heart of CSR is a theory that human cognition is necessary (but not sufficient) to explain the persistence and prevalence of human ideas and behaviors deemed "religious". It is thus distinguished from its often atheoretical academic counterparts in the study of religion by the attempt to explain, rather than describe, religion and because of the centrality of the role of the human mind in this explanation. The fruitfulness of this approach is demonstrated by what it has explained since its inception. CSR (these exist elsewhere, see for example . Rather, the aim of this paper is twofold. First, to outline what-in 2015minimally constitutes CSR (what it is) and second, to discuss how and why common misunderstandings of CSR still exist (what it is not).

Journal for the Cognitive Science of Religion, 2018

Journal of Cognitive Historiography, 2018

2024

This article presents an introduction to the cognitive science of religion. It shows that CSR began with original theoretical approaches within the human sciences and has subsequently developed into a more empirical, interdisciplinary field of study. The field is growing rapidly with the appearance of several centers and projects. The most important theories, findings, and criticisms are presented. Also the various centers of study and recent projects are described.

The Frontiers Collection, 2009

The books in this collection are devoted to challenging and open problems at the forefront of modern science, including related philosophical debates. In contrast to typical research monographs, however, they strive to present their topics in a manner accessible also to scientifically literate non-specialists wishing to gain insight into the deeper implications and fascinating questions involved. Taken as a whole, the series reflects the need for a fundamental and interdisciplinary approach to modern science. Furthermore, it is intended to encourage active scientists in all areas to ponder over important and perhaps controversial issues beyond their own speciality. Extending from quantum physics and relativity to entropy, consciousness and complex systems -the Frontiers Collection will inspire readers to push back the frontiers of their own knowledge.