In a recent post, we shared some basic background to the scientific study of religion, which has been one major focus of CMAC’s work. If you want more introductory information on this area of research, check out what our collaborator Religion for Breakfast offers on YouTube. Led by Andrew Henry, Religion for Breakfast has covered a wide range of topics, sharing expertise from scholarship on religion. Many of Religion for Breakfast’s videos deal with the scientific study of religion.
In a very introductory video, Dr. Henry describes different disciplinary approaches to the study of religion, including sociological, psychological, and scientific approaches. This video is helpful for anyone unsure about what religious studies is and how the scientific study of religion fits into it.
In a more detailed video, Henry describes a key theory in cognitive science of religion, the concept of a hyperactive agency detection device (HADD). Watch for the reference to how the expertise of CMAC postdoctoral fellow John Balch was crucial for the video!
Henry has also interviewed scholars working in the scientific study of religion.
For instance, check out his interview with anthropologist Ben Purzycki on morality and religion.
Also see his interview with anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas on extreme ritual.
Closer to home, Henry interviewed former CMAC postdoctoral fellow Connor Wood on using computer models to study religion.
In another discussion directly tied to CMAC’s work, Henry also talked with Connor Wood about computer modeling of religious violence.
In addition to research, CMAC has always recognized the importance of communication to a broader audience. Religion for Breakfast is carrying on that work, including with content on the scientific study of religion.
