Science, Religion, and Society

June 22–29, 2025 - The Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS) 2025 Conference: Spiritual Experience: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Retreat is being held at Star Island, NH.

"Recent decades have seen a surge in scientific, philosophical, and theological research into the processes of “spiritual” transformation. This research has led to a more complete, science-based understanding of how we can intentionally open ourselves to spiritual experiences, including physical, psychological, and even substance-induced methods. Evidence suggests we have a biologically ingrained “spiritual core”—a central and innermost part of ourselves—that is typically outside our conscious awareness. However, there are ways to access and engage this core, and when people do, they often describe the experience as mystical or numinous."

Pre-conference papers are online for review:

• Chatlos, John Calvin. 2024. “Spiritual Experience: Scientific, Philosophical and Theological Implications” Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 59 (4): 949–81.

• James Winkelman, Michael. 2024. “Consilience in Developing a Multidisciplinary Framework of Spirituality: Scientific Commentary on Chatlos.” Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 59 (4): 982–95. 

• Hedlund, Nicholas. 2024. “Toward a Unified Science of Spiritual Experience—Visionary Realism and the Ontology of Interiority: Philosophical Commentary on Chatlos’s Framework of Spirituality.” Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 59 (4): 996–1012. 

• Watts, Fraser. 2024. “Healing the Rift Between Theology and Spirituality: Theological Commentary on Chatlos’s Framework of Spirituality.” Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 59 (4): 1013–24. 

IRAS has a monthly webinar series, Science, Religion, and Society. Please enjoy their archive of past webinars.