your brain on "god"

We wrapped up midterm presentations in A&S yesterday, first with Callie's virtual round-table report demonstrating that atheism is diverse, not monolithic. "Atheism is a broad church," with not much of an orthodoxy. That's the point, right? Like Unitarians, but without even a symbolic nod to god. 


Then Marie's discussion of materialist spirituality, Michael Persinger's "God machine,"* and Andrew Newberg's contention that "God is great-for your mental, physical, and spiritual health." (His new book: How God Changes Your Brain.) In an interview Newberg says, in effect, that agnosticism can be a spiritual quest too: 

Why won't God go away? 

The main reason God won't go away is because our brains won't allow God to leave. Our brains are set up in such a way that God and religion become among the most powerful tools for helping the brain do its thing—self-maintenance and self-transcendence. Unless there is a fundamental change in how our brain works, God will be around for a very long time.

Are you personally a religious or spiritual person? Do you meditate?

I have long pursued answers to many of the profound questions that human beings have faced. My initial attempts to find answers arose from the Western traditions, with an emphasis on science and philosophy. Over the years, my personal search evolved into a more meditative approach, which appeared similar to some of the Eastern traditions. However, although my approach is in many ways is a form of meditation, I have never practiced a specific religious or meditative technique for any period of time. In order to continue my search, I have had to learn about many disciplines and traditions. This typically was to enhance my own approach, which I do consider a spiritual journey.

*Richard Dawkins tries Persinger's "God machine":