Sacred emotions

Abstract

Given that religion is a human universal, evolutionary and cultural perspectives on the emotions are incomplete without a comprehensive understanding of the role of religion. Religion provides context and direction for emotion and the influence of religious systems on emotional experience and expression is considerable. For example, religions prescribe certain emotions and proscribe others. Religion also modulates the expression of emotion.This chapter will examine emotions and emotional processes that normally occur in the context of religion. Recent scientific research on religion and emotion will be highlighted.