Scientific studies of religious experience
Submitted by Heather on July 09 1999 at 14:04:30
In reply to Voices from clouds, etc. Submitted by Ray on July 09 1999 at 09:38:38
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Actually, nonhostile studies of religious experience exist; you just have to dig for them. Some of the best stuff being written is by psychologists of religion; if I ever have any doubts as to what I'm experiencing, I just pick up a psychology book, because study after study shows that visions, etc., are not unusual phenomena, and they aren't necessarily a sign of psychosis – on the contrary, they can be a sign of strong mental wellness. Now, if only I could figure out some way to give those books to the priest who, when I told him I was experiencing God's presence in church, advised me to see a nun who specializes in mental illness. These days, the psychologists have stronger faith in religious phenomena than most clergy do. Heather |