Can Spiritualities be Compared? Can their Effects be Measured?

A symposium arranged by the Centre for Science and Faith (UCPH) and the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR).

This one-day conference, preceding the Annual Symposium of the Centre for Science and Faith on August 28, will be devoted to a discussion of the ISSR SORSE project (“Voice, Action and Reflection: Elements of spiritual practice and their effects on wellbeing”) and other initiatives in the field of spiritual health.

The SORSE project, led by Fraser Watts, investigates the hypothesis that different kinds of spiritual practice use the human cognitive architecture in different ways, and have different experiential effects, though they may all potentially yield similar well-being benefits. The study particularly compares conceptual and non-conceptual practices, hypothesising that non-conceptual practices have a more immediate impact, but that conceptual practices, if successful, may have broader and longer-term benefits. Two non-conceptual practices are studied, one the Qigong movement, the other involves sensory attention, listening to plainsong chanting. The third practise under study involves imaginative discussion of four spiritual virtues (hope, gratitude, forgiveness and love/compassion). The effects of the various spiritual practices are conceptualised using Philip Barnard’s cognitive architecture, Interacting Cognitive Subsystems.

The attendants will learn about the first results of the conceptual design and empirical studies undertaken, to be discussed with colleagues from Denmark and abroad. The day will also be used to present material from a forthcoming Danish book on “Spiritual Health: Being Connected”, edited by Tobias Anker Stripp, Per Torp Sangil, and Niels Henrik Gregersen. Finally, the Fetzer Institute will present its new publication on interreligious understanding, "Retelling Shared Sacred Story", followed by a reception.

Programme