In today’s world of digital disinformation and viral conspiracy theories, it’s becoming increasingly clear that modern societies are struggling with an unmet human need: the deep, intrinsic craving for mystery, story, and meaning. This isn’t just a psychological curiosity – it’s a civilizational issue. Humans are wired for narrative, ritual, and belief, and when traditional religious frameworks fade or stagnate, this need doesn’t disappear; it mutates. Pseudoscientific ideas, cults, and conspiracies often replicate the structure of religion, offering a sense of belonging, clarity, and cosmic purpose – especially in times of uncertainty.
Some sociologists claim that this yearning for “magic and fairy tales” can remain private and separate from social or political life, but such a view overlooks how belief systems inevitably shape behavior, norms, and even policy. Rituals are not just private practices; they are the building blocks of community and culture. The real issue isn’t belief itself, but how societies fail to support meaningful, healthy forms of belief. We argue that two outdated structures lie at the heart of this crisis: education systems that suppress critical thinking and existential exploration, and religious institutions that resist necessary evolution. Together, they leave a vacuum – a crisis of meaning – into which dangerous narratives rush.
To address this, we urgently need a new research agenda, one that reformulates questions instead of just collecting more data. We must investigate how belief operates in a hyperconnected world, how new rituals emerge, and how spirituality can be reimagined in a scientifically grounded, yet existentially rich way. This is the promise of science-based spirituality: a path that neither denies mystery nor submits to dogma, but instead helps individuals and societies navigate the sacred dimension of human life with clarity, ethics, and resilience.
Science-based spirituality seeks to reconcile spiritual experiences with modern scientific knowledge. The goal is to support a form of spirituality that is consistent with scientific understanding, while still providing a sense of meaning and purpose in life. This approach is particularly relevant in a contemporary world where gradually more people are spiritual but not religious. Key aspects of science-based spirituality are: Recognition of the potential benefits of spirituality for mental and physical well-being, emphasis on subjective experiences, acceptance of altered states of consciousness, rejection of beliefs that contradict science, and focus on practices such as different forms of meditation, introspection, or contemplative reflection.
According to Lisa Miller, a researcher in spirituality and psychology, humans are “innate spiritual beings” with a “neural docking station” for spiritual awareness. She suggests that strengthening this capacity can lead to greater resilience, better decision-making, and a more inspired life. This is supported by research showing that spirituality is linked to a higher quality of life.
Growing research suggests that spiritual and psychological experiences often reflect underlying neurophysiological changes, highlighting the importance of understanding how neurotransmitters and hormones interact during spiritual practices. Subtle feelings of well-being and happiness can frequently be traced to the increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. In this light, a science-based approach recognizes that practices aimed at cultivating mindfulness, empathy, compassion, and loving-kindness—qualities deeply tied to our social and emotional well-being—are not just philosophical ideals but also have measurable physiological effects that reinforce overall happiness and fulfilment.
While science-based spirituality seeks to ground itself in evidence, it also acknowledges the limitations of science. Hard evidence for spiritual phenomena may be difficult to obtain, and some aspects may remain speculative. However, the goal is to continuously incorporate new evidence and refine our understanding. The challenge for science-based spirituality is to provide a framework for meaning and purpose without resorting to unfounded beliefs. This requires a careful balance between respecting subjective experiences and adhering to scientific principles. It also necessitates open dialogue and critical thinking, even when it comes to our most cherished beliefs.
One of the key principles of science-based spirituality is that beliefs should not contradict scientific evidence. This means preferentially avoiding religious dogmas that are not supported by evidence. Instead, the focus is on subjective experiences, such as those attained through meditation and altered states of consciousness. These experiences are considered valuable even if they are “only illusional” because they can lead to a deeper and more fulfilling life.
However, not contradicting science is no longer enough for a thoughtful approach to spirituality. While maintaining maximum tolerance for different worldviews, it is essential to be proactive in consistent thinking. Although as science progresses, it can never directly prove the origin of religion, it does provide compelling explanations for some of its characteristics. Fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology are already qualified to explain how religious attributes may have emerged and developed. These disciplines reveal plausible, evidence-based insights into the origins of rituals, moral codes, and belief systems. As the saying goes, ‘When something looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and swims like a duck, it is probably a duck.’ Similarly, when religion aligns with patterns that can be consistently explained by human behavior and societal evolution, it strongly points to human origins. Adopting this perspective allows us to better align spiritual understanding with scientific knowledge, thus fostering a more grounded and ultimately more meaningful worldview.