NPR: The Science of Spirituality

[Whitney]

I haven't read any of these but they were recommended reading from an atheist.  He suggested them because he thinks that god can be a scientific subject and there is no need to think there is some line where science must stop investigation.

Decoding the Mystery of Near Death Experiences:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... =104397005
Can Positive Thoughts Help Heal Another Person:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... =104351710
Prayer May Reshape Your Brain...and Your Reality:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... =104310443
The God Chemical:  Brain Chemistry and Mysticism:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... =104240746
What Turns People into Spiritual Virtuosos:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... =104132738
Isn't God a Trip?:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... =104066681

Anyway, they might not all be scientific, I just thought I'd share since I was given a list of potential scientific articles related to spirituality.

[Sophus]

These are very interesting. Thanks so much Whitney. Be sure to read the one on reshaping the brain. I wonder if it's possibly to reshape it after it has been reshaped... Maybe there really is no hope for someone who has been immensely religious for such a long time.

[karadan]

These are very interesting. Thanks so much Whitney. Be sure to read the one on reshaping the brain. I wonder if it's possibly to reshape it after it has been reshaped... Maybe there really is no hope for someone who has been immensely religious for such a long time.

I think that must be true for a great many things. The term 'set in their ways' comes to mind.

[SSY]

Science can definatley be applied to the lives/behavior/physiology of beleivers, but science stops when something is impossible to predict.

[Sophus]

These are very interesting. Thanks so much Whitney. Be sure to read the one on reshaping the brain. I wonder if it's possibly to reshape it after it has been reshaped... Maybe there really is no hope for someone who has been immensely religious for such a long time.

I think that must be true for a great many things. The term 'set in their ways' comes to mind.

Right.

It makes me rethink freewill in a purely psychological sense too. We really are a slave to our own minds. It's almost like you have to leave religion fairly young or dare not leaving at all. Would be interesting to see statistics on that.