Date: October 8th, 2025
Time: 6 pm for pizza, followed by the lecture
Location: Maclaurin Chapel, Auckland
Online: Zoom available, please email grace@nzcis.org to RSVP.
Abstract:
Rituals are found in every culture throughout known human history. Examining the purpose of these rituals from a cognitive science perspective has enabled scholars to better understand why humans expend so many precious resources on activities that appear to be unrelated to the fundamental problems of survival. Religious rituals, in particular, serve important psychological purposes for participants and the communities that practice them. These rituals are essential for social bonding, connection, and emotion regulation. They enhance a sense of control and efficacy while reminding participants and observers of the meaning systems from which they arise. Hence, rituals are essential for many people in times of stress and trouble. Religious rituals increase during times of distress, and are one of the primary ways people are able to create meaning and find comfort in the midst of trauma.
Biography:
Laird Edman specializes in the cognitive science of religion, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and teaching and assessing critical thinking. He holds a doctorate in educational psychology that focused on cognition and learning from the University of Minnesota, as well as master’s degrees in counseling psychology and English literature from the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Edman’s research has been widely published. Prior to joining Northwestern’s faculty, Dr. Edman taught at the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, Waldorf University, and Luther College. He received the Teaching Excellence award from Northwestern in 2008 and 2017, and he also holds Teacher of the Year awards from Waldorf University and the Honors Program at Iowa State University.
Edman was a visiting scholar in Science and Religion: Scholarship & Christianity at Oxford University in 2015-16, doing research on cognitive and psychological issues related to worship and discipleship. He held the Northwestern College Endowed Professorship from 2011-16. His latest project involves translating research and theory in the cognitive science of religion for use in the Christian church. The primary output will be a book written for church leaders, but the project also includes other writing (journal and popular press articles). The project is funded by a $234,313 grant from the Templeton Religion Trust. Edman has previously been the Principle Investigator on a project in the Cognitive Science of Religion, conducted with Dr. Myron Penner from Trinity Western University, funded by a $228,500 grant from the Templeton Religion Trust.
In 2022, Edman was appointed to the American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives, which serves as the governing body of the world’s largest association of psychologists. He also serves on the executive committee for his division, which focuses upon the psychology of religion and spirituality.
