Religious or spiritual experiences are associated with a surge in dopamine levels apparently. You know what else is? Snorting cocaine. Apparently, getting "high on god" as is the expression used by the evangelical movement has a rather literalistic angle to it.
I was just reading up on the effects of Cocaine on Wikipedia, and its surprising how much of it has analogues in religion:
What's similar:
1) Increased levels of dopamine.
2) Induced feelings of euphoria.
3) Can also induce anxiety, paranoia and restlessness.
4) Excessive usage results in convulsions and increased body temperature.
5) Occasional use does not typically lead to severe or even minor physical or social problems. [References 1 and 2]
6) Painful withdrawal symptoms
What's not:
Cocaine is banned in almost every part of the world.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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