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“A new advance on the frontier of postcolonial liberation theology! Taking directions from discoveries in brain science, Carmelo Santos-Rolon walks us step-by-step through religious experience toward other-centering, re-integrating the self, and authentic transformation. A great stride forward!”
Ted Peters
Co-Editor of Theology and Science, and Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology and Ethics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, USA. He co-edits the journal, published by the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
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“This book is a pioneering work that brings together neuroscience and theology with a decolonial perspective. Its relevance transcends all contexts, making it undeniably significant. The author offers systematic, intellectually sound, embodied, and scientifically anchored wisdom – a rare combination that few thinkers can achieve.”
Antje Jackelen
Archbishop Emerita of the Church of Sweden and Past President of the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology
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“A Liberation Theology of the Brain offers no less than a new worldview, based on science, history and theology. Yet, lofty as that sounds, Dr. Santos presents it with a down-to-earth conversational tone that is a delight to read, and makes it easy to see the relevance to our everyday lives.”
Martha J. Farah
Director, Center for Neuroscience & Society
Walter H. Annenberg Professor in the Natural Sciences
University of Pennsylvania -
“This wonderful book leads us into the neuroscience of emotions, opening up the Apostle Paul’s invitation to “Be transformed by the renewing of the mind.” Weaving together the best of brain science with liberation theology and sacraments, Santos shows how the power of God’s spirit can liberate us for healing wounds of colonization and slavery. The mind is a storyteller, a creator of worlds. This book will transform your mind. It is a joy to read.”
Barbara Rossing,
Author of The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation
Professor of New Testament and Environmental Ministry Coordinator
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Welcome.
Praise for A Liberation Theology of the Brain
Hi, I’m Carmelo.
A theologian and pastor passionate about how science and theology can work together to reveal the beauty of God’s creation and bring healing to the world. Trained first as a chemist, I have always been intrigued about the intersections of brain science, liberation theology, and justice. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I bring a decolonial lens to questions of faith, identity, and healing. Whether through teaching, writing, or ecumenical dialogue, I seek to bridge disciplines and build communities where people are seen, valued, and free to flourish—mind, body, and spirit.
Neuroscience
Science is a gift from God that allows us to marvel at the wonders of this beautiful world that we are a part of. Neuroscience opens a window into the depths of our very selves allowing us to explore how our embodied brains and nervous systems make it possible for the unique persons that we are to emerge. In dialogue with theology it can be a powerful means for healing and transformation not only of our individual selves but of our society as well.
Theology
If science addresses questions of how, theology explores questions of why, that is, of meaning and existential purpose. Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is there suffering and injustice in the world, and, more importantly, how can we part of the work of healing that suffering and correcting those injustices? Theology is the discipline of listening to the voice of the Spirit of life to whom we owe our existence and bringing that voice to bear on our lives, individual and collective, for the wholesome flourishing of all.
Decolonizing of Emotions
The present is shaped by the wounds of a colonial past. How can theology and neuroscience help us resist the systems that still produce inequality and destruction? And how might they inspire the courage to imagine and build a world where all can truly thrive? How can we begin to imagine an otherwise and garner the spiritual audacity to do our part in creating an alternative world where all may have life and have it in abundance?
Selected Contributions
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"Our Neighbor's House is On Fire."
Testimony before the U.S. Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee regarding effects of the first Trump administration’s family separation policy on the U.S.-Mexican border.
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Decolonizing Emotions: Musings on a Lutheran Liberation Theology of the Brain
Luther Seminary Colloquy on Lutheran Spirituality
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Keynote for Rostered Ministers Gathering
ELCA Director for Theological Diversity and Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Engagement Rev. Carmelo Santos gives a keynote address for the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix.
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The God of Creation and Confluence of Theology & Science
Podcast:
Ciencia, Fe y Esperanza
Esperanza College
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Can Scientists See God at Work?
From the John Templeton Foundation, an article on what neuroscience and Christianity can teach each other.
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Studying the Bible from a Neuroscience Perspective, Four Bible Studies
This bible study is meant as a resource for groups to explore how neuroscience can provide us with a lens to read the holy Scriptures in ways that can yield new insights and rich interpretations.
Contact me.
godandthebrain@gmail.com