In a survey of thousands of people who reported having experienced personal encounters with God, Johns Hopkins researchers report that more than two-thirds of self-identified atheists shed that label after their encounter. Moreover, the researchers say, a majority of respondents attributed lasting positive changes in their psychological health—e.g., life satisfaction, purpose, and meaning—even decades after their initial experience.
The findings, published online in PLOS One, add to evidence that such deeply meaningful experiences may have healing properties, the researchers say.
The study was designed to systematically compare reports of spontaneous God encounter experiences with those associated with the consumption of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin-containing mushrooms or the Amazonian brew ayahuasca, both of which have been associated with triggering religious experiences.
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Hazel’s comment:
My own personal encounter with God has been nothing like the mess shown in that image – but then I’ve never taken psychedelics.
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