The Role of Emotion in the Personal Encountering of Truth in Religion and Science Cover Image

The Role of Emotion in the Personal Encountering of Truth in Religion and Science
The Role of Emotion in the Personal Encountering of Truth in Religion and Science

Author(s): Gheorghe Petraru
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: cognition; emotion; experience; mystery; religion; science; truth

Summary/Abstract: The experience of otherness always involves some emotion, especially in encountering the Divine in Its disclosure, expressed in sacred texts as Revelation and theologically interpreted, or experienced in a mystical state, be it ritual celebration. It is thoroughly human for mankind to experience joy in social relationships. It is of great emotional and spiritual satisfaction to make scientific discoveries, especially those useful to humanity at large. Relationship with God of the human person and nature brings joy and induces deep spiritual emotions in us which create a catalyst for knowledge and action. Emotion is linked with confidence in the act of changing the dynamic world in light of the transcendent vision grasped which offers itself in order to be observed and acted upon. A non-static ontology, allowing for relational dynamics and the compassion of people who are in communion together in their complex psychological and neurological perspectives, allows one the possibility of discovering new truth and values.