Brain Tricks

Neurotheology is a relatively new science made possible by modern brain imaging technology. The activity of the brain during spiritual episodes is studied in an effort to explain the nature of the experiences.

Researchers have been creative. They've imaged people after they've ingested drugs like peyote or LSD and found that they operate similarly to serotonin, which is a brain chemical that affects emotions and perceptions. The idea is that a serotonin rush may cause spiritual events like seeing visions, hearing messages, getting a glimpse of eternity or having an out of body experience.

Knowing which parts of the brain to stimulate, one researcher rigged up a motorcycle helmet (complete with racing stripe) to produce electromagnetic fields. He put it on his subjects, had them wear goggles with tissue paper stuffed inside, and then activated it. His subjects experienced images ranging from what he calls "the dark of the dark" to images or faces to feeling the "Sensed Presence." The scientist, Michael Persinger, is convinced that "God and all experience are a product of your brain."

Some neurologists theorize that Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a hallucination resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain caused by epilepsy. It's another case of of skeptics stretching to explain spirituality as something that's literally just in the believer's head.

These lines of inquiry dodge the underlying questions, which are "Why would the brain be wired like this unless it was to enable man to experience a relationship with a real and existing God?" and "If this isn't the reason, why does this ability exist at all?"

The physiological mechanism is clearly there. Our bodies have lots of mechanisms, each is designed to perform a particular function, and the wiring of the brain is no different. This particular ability enables man to experience a deep, meaningful interaction with a God who is as real as the brain itself.

Learning how the brain operates and then making it do tricks by feeding it drugs or putting it in customized motorcycle helmets doesn't show that spiritual experiences are simply the result of brain chemistry. It only explains another God-given process, just like photosynthesis, genetics and millions of other natural mechanisms we've figured out.

It does show that with certain stimuli the brain is capable of extraodinary deeds. It can be activated artificially or it can perform as it was intended to, with God's input. And the unmanipulated natural process demonstrates the majesty of the God who designed.

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