Can religious groups thrive without tribalism?
Dr. Laird Edman, professor emeritus of psychology and research professor at Northwestern College in Iowa, is engaged in a project to help church leaders enhance faith development and strengthen community using what we now know about how minds work. Supported by a grant from the Templeton Religion Trust, Dr. Edman is working out how the cognitive science of religion can be leveraged to help churches.
Current Project: Focus on Ritual
In his research, Dr. Edman plans to identify and test ritual forms that can effectively support faith development and community cohesion. His interdisciplinary approach, drawing on psychological science, theology, and the cognitive science of religion, will involve collaboration with key scholars in these fields. His work reflects a comprehensive effort to explore the practical implications of understanding the psychological aspects of religious thought and behavior. His findings will be shared through various mediums, including articles, podcasts, blogs, presentations, and a book.
Goal:
Identify the practices that help faith communities grow in social cohesion within their group and hospitality to those outside their group.
Literature survey, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and designing reports of findings, generating materials for churches and academics.
Next Steps:
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About Laird Edman
Laird Edman is an academic research psychologist with a heart for the church. He holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota and has always sought ways to put his expertise in service of Christian ministry. Celebrated for his expertise in the cognitive science of religion and emotional intelligence, Dr. Edman's research has been published in prestigious journals and books, including The Psychology of Religion and Spirituality and The Oxford Handbook of the Cognitive Science of Religion. A recipient of four Teaching Excellence awards, he has taught at various institutions and served as a visiting scholar at Oxford University. Currently, Dr. Edman is leading a groundbreaking project, translating research for practical use by ministry leaders. His work as a member of the American Psychological Association's Council of Representatives, and on the executive committee of the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, underscores his global impact and leadership at the intersection of psychology and Christian ministry.
Latest News
Northwestern emeritus professor of psychology to speak at international conference
Retiring psychology professor receives NWC Award for Excellence in Faith and Learning
Northwestern College professor awarded $234,000 grant from the Templeton Religion Trust
Media Appearances
Science for the Church
Psychology for Ministry: Ritual in Spiritual Practice
You Have Permission
All About Ritual (#191)
Blueprint 1543
Psych for Theology & Ministry: Laird Edman
Other Research, Teaching, and Publishing
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Northwestern College
University of Minnesota
Luther College
Waldorf College -
Edman, Laird R. O., and Clara Pahl. “Once more, with feeling: The central place of ritual in our lives,” Pre-publication untitled book chapter on ritual.
Edman, Laird R. O., and Myron A. Penner, 'Lived Faith and Cognitive Intuitions: Some Theological Implications of Cognitive Science of Religion', in Justin L. Barrett (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of the Cognitive Science of Religion, Oxford Handbooks (2022; online edn, Oxford Academic, 20 Apr. 2022)
Edman, Laird. (2015). Applying the Science of Faith: The Cognitive Science of Religion and Christian Practice. Journal of Psychology and Christianity. 34. 240-251.