Meaning is a central topic in psychology, or perhaps, even the central topic. Meaning can be considered fundamental to understanding human nature, because it has been defined both very broadly–encompassing many other psychological constructs, such as goals, beliefs, well-being and satisfaction, and life narrative–and very deeply, referring to the core of human existence. Further, meaning is important both in helping individuals to define the broad contours of their life and also in dealing with specific stressful situations (commonly called “meaning making”). The relationship between religion and meaning is intimate and complex. Because religion serves, for most people, as a lens through which reality is perceived and interpreted, it is closely tied to concepts of meaning. Like other systems of meaning, religion influences beliefs, goals, and emotions. However, religion is unique in centering on what individuals hold to be sacred, and this sacred content is often reflected in individuals’ beliefs, goals, and emotions. The aim of this chapter is to describe this relationship between religion and meaning through an integration of perspectives from neuroscience and social science.
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