1. studying religion and spirituality

outside-in perspective + examples

observes religion from the outside

• behaviors

• beliefs

• brain activity

• health

• relationships

(does religion improve health? how does it influence personality?)

inside-out perspective + examples

understands religion from lived experience

• meaning

• hope

• doubt

• sacred moments

• transformation

(what does faith feel like? why do people pray?)

spirituality

the search for the sacred (broader than God, can include ultimate values, purpose, etc.)

religion

the search for significance within traditions, practices, and communities that support the search for the sacred

scientific agnosticism

psychologists only STUDY the experience, not the ultimate truth claim. they study how it affects people as well as how religion develops within people

key difference btwn religion and spirituality

spirituality - can be more personal/experiential, emphasizes indiv experience

religion - emphasizes traditions, practices, institutions, and community