Distinct 'God Spot' in the Brain Does Not Exist, Study Shows

[Tank]

Distinct 'God Spot' in the Brain Does Not Exist, Study Shows

ScienceDaily (Apr. 19, 2012) — Scientists have speculated that the human brain features a "God spot," one distinct area of the brain responsible for spirituality. Now, University of Missouri researchers have completed research that indicates spirituality is a complex phenomenon, and multiple areas of the brain are responsible for the many aspects of spiritual experiences. Based on a previously published study that indicated spiritual transcendence is associated with decreased right parietal lobe functioning, MU researchers replicated their findings. In addition, the researchers determined that other aspects of spiritual functioning are related to increased activity in the frontal lobe.

"We have found a neuropsychological basis for spirituality, but it's not isolated to one specific area of the brain," said Brick Johnstone, professor of health psychology in the School of Health Professions. "Spirituality is a much more dynamic concept that uses many parts of the brain. Certain parts of the brain play more predominant roles, but they all work together to facilitate individuals' spiritual experiences."

In the most recent study, Johnstone studied 20 people with traumatic brain injuries affecting the right parietal lobe, the area of the brain situated a few inches above the right ear. He surveyed participants on characteristics of spirituality, such as how close they felt to a higher power and if they felt their lives were part of a divine plan. He found that the participants with more significant injury to their right parietal lobe showed an increased feeling of closeness to a higher power...

[technolud]

Darn!. I thought this explained a lot.  Wanted this to be true.

[ThinkAnarchy]

I suppose that could explain why a lot of people seem to get more spiritual in their retirement years.

[technolud]

It can go the other way too.  My dad went from being a Catholic (National) Nixon Republican to an Atheist Obama supporter when he died in 2009.  I'll take a bit of credit, on the political spectrum change anyway.

[Sandra Craft]

It all seems 6 of one and half dozen of the other to me.  One distinct "god spot", 50 indistinct spots that cause a leaning toward spiritual interpretations of the world, it all comes down to it being in your head.

[Hector Valdez]

True, that, but keep in mind that our 'heads' are absolutely disconnected from the universe. They are a part of the universe and are made of the same stuff, including the information that transpires within them, so we shouldn't dismiss spirituality whole sale, at least.

[Sandra Craft]

True, that, but keep in mind that our 'heads' are absolutely disconnected from the universe. They are a part of the universe and are made of the same stuff, including the information that transpires within them, so we shouldn't dismiss spirituality whole sale, at least.

I only dismiss it fire sale.