Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Neuroscience and neuropsychology have given an explanation to various human activities. Is there evidence of the activation of neurobiological structures and mechanisms associated with Spirituality and Religion (S / R)? Does S / R activity influence transformations in neurobiological processes that can impact human activity and health? This writing reports some evidence of the functioning of the brain and subcortical structures, linked to changes in people, associated with Spirituality and Religion. Methodologically, sources with Web of Science and Scopus indexing are consulted that refer antecedents in this regard under terms of Spirituality, Religion, Brain, Neuroscience and Neuropsychology or combinations between them. From a total of 920 texts were selected from the last 20 years, 52 publications that refer to S / R indistinctly or separately, together with the other terms. The results report changes insome neurotransmission systems, in brain electrical activity linked to the functioning and synchronization of executive neuropsychological functioning, which can explain perceptual states of uniqueness, conception of a Higher Being, control mechanisms, abstraction and origin of states of consciousness of the person. The research offers development perspectives including therapeutic actions that promote mental health and possible neuropsychoeducational actions.

The social, cultural, educational, religious and ecclesial context experienced in these first twenty years of the new century allow us to glimpse new accents that school religious education must assume in order to be a significant and pertinent formative process in Latin America and the Caribbean. From the mere transmission of doctrinal and moral content of a certain religious confession, it must go on promoting coexistence and social commitment, the appreciation of the person, holistic growth, interreligious dialogue and the assumption of new languages that allow the person to enter into contact with the transcendent.

A report from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) on the sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy in Chile is the basis for investigating the responsibility of the people involved in catechesis in light of the degree of reflection that have developed about this topic. Thus, after a brief historical overview of some milestones in this tragic history, some data offered by the indicated report are analyzed, some background aspects are detected and the type of reflection that the catechetics of Chile has had in around this topic. It concludes with suggestions for some actions to take.