Performance, Cognitive Theory, and Devotional Culture

Cognitive theory serves as a lens through which Jill Stevenson examines how laypeople engage with live religious performances and other devotional media, suggesting they operate similarly to performance events. By connecting cognitive science to medieval visual theories, she enhances the understanding of medieval culture's impact on performance studies. Stevenson further applies her insights to modern religious expressions, such as creationist museums and megachurches, highlighting the enduring relevance of these concepts across time.