Good Human Church IFS, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), prayer, and God.

Описание: Summary: Dr. John M. Wagner presented on Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory, suggesting the brain contains subpersonalities interacting via the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which may explain the concept of God as a compassionate aspect of the self within the mPFC. This interaction between brain regions, potentially through prayer, could contribute to cross-cultural religious beliefs.

Internal Family Systems Theory and the Brain: Dr. Wagner discussed the application of Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory to human communication. They proposed that the brain may contain independently conscious regions, particularly cortical columns, that function as subpersonalities formed in response to past pain or as protective mechanisms. These sub-personalities may have limited access to information and communication with each other, potentially leading to internal conflict. The medial prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher-order thinking and emotional regulation, plays a key role in coordinating these subpersonalities.

The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and the Sense of Self: Dr. Wagner hypothesized that the medial prefrontal cortex's capacity for calmness, compassion, and curiosity might explain the human conception of God. He suggested that when a less-developed part of the brain reaches out, it might sense this compassionate aspect of the self within the medial prefrontal cortex. This connection, they proposed, could contribute to the cross-cultural convergence on the idea of a loving but also tribalistic God. Wagner further suggested that prayer might involve one independently conscious brain region interacting with another, particularly with the medial prefrontal cortex. They acknowledge that this "God" is not absolute or without limitations.