Science and spirituality as partners: researchers who refuse to pick a side
October 6, 2026 · 24 min read
A cognitive scientist, a cell biologist, two neuroscientists, a Columbia psychologist and Jordan Peterson each argue that scientific work and spiritual life answer to the same reality, and that science itself rests on a kind of faith. They differ sharply in how much evidence they offer, so the reader gets both the case for a bridge and a way to tell tested claims from personal conviction.
The rules, numbers and steps worth keeping in front of you.
- All six: science and spiritual life are compatible, not enemies.
- Hoffman: every scientific theory starts from assumptions it cannot explain.
- Hoffman: consciousness, not spacetime, is fundamental. He marks his speculation as such.
- Hoffman: the traditions hold nuggets of truth covered in nonsense.
- Newberg: in deep prayer, parietal activity falls and the boundary of self dissolves.
- Newberg: five common elements are unity, intensity, clarity, surrender and transformation.
- Newberg: science will not prove or disprove the spiritual.
- Miller: we are born with circuits for feeling loved, held, guided and never alone.
- Miller: reports that spiritual life is strongly protective for teenagers. Altruism is the top predictor.
- Lipton: spirit is a field and you are the broadcast. Bold claims, little detail.
- McDonald: we get what our brain is wired for. She labels her larger idea as personal belief.
- Peterson: the choice to pursue truth is made before any experiment.
- Best supported: practices change how people feel and function.
- For depression, addiction or serious illness, see a qualified professional.
This is the short form. The full insight has every expert's reasoning, their own words and the sources.