Areas of Focus

Guided by Sir John’s vision, we’re always seeking 
to enrich the conversation about religion. Rooted 
in three broad strategic initiatives, we’ve identified several areas of focus.

Over the centuries, humankind has exponentially expanded our understanding of science, technology, and medicine. But what about the spiritual world that surrounds us?

Could the next great frontier be the unseen world of spiritual realities that surround us?

Guided by Sir John’s vision, we’re always seeking to enrich the conversations about religions, partnering with the world’s brightest scientists, philosophers, and thinkers to expand the edges of the known.

Covenantal Pluralism

Religion is one of humanity’s oldest tools for seeking to understand. When people of different backgrounds pursue and share spiritual information, the quality of our understanding grows. Covenantal Pluralism imbues the principles of pluralism with the positive values and practicalities of real deep relationships.

Program in the Study of Mysticism

Across cultures and centuries, individuals have reported moments of profound, indescribable connection with ultimate reality—experiences at the heart of religion, yet among its least understood dimensions.

PRISM explores mysticism as a multi-disciplinary field of study through global collaboration, original research, and public engagement.

Social Consequences of Religion

Many regard religious faith and practice as a force for good in the world, part of and even a source of solutions to the wide range of problems we face, like poverty and sickness. But religions are often associated with negative social outcomes like intolerance and conflict.

SCORE is building a repository of data on the various interconnected impacts and influences of religion in societies.

Additional Areas of Focus

Is there a connection between art and spirituality? What factors influence the ways that people react to the findings of science and the teachings of religions?

Explore a variety of projects whose aim is to expand the possibilities of new spiritual discovery.

Templeton Prize

Professor Simon Conway Morris Receives 2026 Templeton Prize

Congratulations to paleontologist Simon Conway Morris, who has won the 2026 TempletonPrize for his outstanding contributions to the field of evolutionary biology and his enduring efforts to explore the broader philosophical implications of his scientific discoveries.

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