The spiritual brain : a neuroscientist's case for the existence of the soul

Do religious experiences stem from God or are they simply neurological events? Neuroscientist Mario Beauregard, through his research with Carmelite nuns, presents evidence that genuine spiritual events can be documented and have a nonmaterial origin. He argues against the prevailing scientific view that reduces these experiences to mere brain activity, asserting that it is God who creates our spiritual encounters. The authors critique recent efforts to identify a "God gene" or to claim that our brains are "hardwired" for religion, including the controversial "God helmet" that purportedly induces mystical experiences. They contend that such approaches are misguided, as they diminish the richness of spiritual experiences to mere material phenomena. Many scientists, they argue, overlook compelling evidence that contradicts their materialistic biases, adhering to the belief that only the physical world is real. This perspective fails to account for phenomena such as mind over matter, intuition, and the placebo effect, as well as near-death experiences and psychic premonitions. Traditional scientific explanations often dismiss these occurrences as delusions, yet by delving into recent neurological research, the authors seek to uncover their true origins and significance.