Understanding Religion and Self-Transformation

Understanding Religion and Self-Transformation

Assessment

Interactive Video

Science, Philosophy, Religious Studies

11th Grade - University

Hard

Created by

Amelia Wright

FREE Resource

Patrick McNamara, an experimental neuroscientist, explores how religion disrupts self-models and influences brain activity. He introduces the concept of decentering, a cognitive process in religious experiences that updates self-models. This process involves taking the executive self offline, experiencing a liminal state, and emerging with a new self-model. While powerful, decentering can be dangerous if misused. McNamara suggests that both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from understanding this process to enhance self-transformation and personal growth.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What does Patrick McNamara believe is the primary function of religion?

To explain natural phenomena

To offer moral guidance

To disrupt and update self-models

To provide comfort and reduce anxiety

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

According to McNamara, what role does the brain play in relation to religion?

It acts as a storage for religious texts

It functions as a prediction machine

It is unaffected by religious beliefs

It only processes logical information

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is a key feature of a good prediction machine, as described by McNamara?

It focuses only on past events

It constantly creates scenarios of possibilities

It ignores external evidence

It remains static and unchanging

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What does McNamara suggest is necessary for thriving in the world?

Focusing on material wealth

Maintaining current self-models

Avoiding religious experiences

Constantly updating self-models

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the first step in the decentering process?

Liminal experience

Reactivation of self

Decentering itself

Emotional immersion

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the main accomplishment of religiosity when it works well, according to McNamara?

It ensures social popularity

It guarantees eternal life

It provides financial stability

It offers a set of tools for self-updating

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the second step in the decentering process?

Reactivation of self

Liminal experience

Emotional detachment

Decentering itself

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