Explaining Neuroplasticity From the Viewpoint of the Quranic Prescriptions About Worshipping Rituals and Its Reflection in the Gradual Intensification of Faith

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of the Sciences and Knowledge of the Quran, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

2 Associate Professor of the Quran & Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy of Religion, University of Quran and Hadith, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Contrary to the traditional reading of the evolution theory that has a bottom-up view and introduces the human actions – including religious belief – as dominated by genes and memes, the new reading has a top-down viewpoint and gives in mechanisms in which the working manner of genes is controlled by the highest levels of life. One of these mechanisms is neuroplasticity. This study aimed at exploring and explaining the factors of the gradual intensification of volitional faith within the neurobiological conceptual framework and its comparison with the factors contributing to worshiping rituals – especially prayers – that come from the Quranic teachings. This comparative study is done through the descriptive-analytical method. The findings show that the existence of the three factors common in the worshipping rituals (as recommended by the Quran) and neurobiological learning, i.e., repetition, attention, and emotion, lead to neuroplasticity and gradual intensification of faith. This justifies the mental causality and supports a level of voluntarism in faith.

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References

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Philosophy of Religion
Volume 19, Issue 2
July 2022
Pages 151-175

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