Brain damage linked to increased likelihood of religious fundamentalism, new study finds

Broader research is still needed

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The big picture: For years, researchers have studied the psychological factors associated with religious fundamentalism, which involves strict adherence to belief. Traits like authoritarianism, resistance to doubt, and cognitive inflexibility have indeed been linked to fundamentalist mindsets. However, a fascinating new study now reveals that brain damage can increase the likelihood of developing rigid, unwavering faith in God.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, took an innovative approach by examining two groups of individuals with focal brain lesions resulting from injuries or disorders. One cohort consisted of 106 Vietnam veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries in combat decades ago. The other included 84 patients from rural Iowa who experienced strokes, surgical complications, or other brain injuries.

Both groups underwent extensive brain scanning using advanced imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They were then assessed for levels of religious fundamentalism based on their beliefs about religious exclusivity and the idea that there is only one true religion.

Interestingly enough, the patterns of brain damage were unique among the participants prone to fundamentalism.

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Lesions in the right frontal and parietal lobes, left cerebellum, and surrounding areas were linked to increased religious fundamentalist leanings. In contrast, damage to other regions, such as the left paracentral area, correlated with greater flexibility in beliefs.

The affected regions appear to be part of a complex brain network that oversees reasoning, belief formation, and moral decision-making. Damage to these networks may make it more difficult for individuals to think critically about their faith or to be open to alternative perspectives.

An overlap was also observed between the brain areas associated with fundamentalism and those linked to criminal behavior, suggesting potential connections between extreme beliefs and hostility towards other groups.

Of course, having brain lesions in this network doesn't necessarily doom someone to rigid fundamentalism, nor does strong faith automatically imply neurological impairment. The study simply reveals a plausible biological basis for how people process, justify, and cling to certain belief systems.

The authors of the study recommend that future research explore individuals from a broader range of religions and ethnicities, as the current sample primarily focused on Christianity. Additionally, since the Vietnam veterans are predominantly male, females may be underrepresented in this study.