Neurology, psychology, and extraordinary religious experiences.
Journal of Religion and Health March 1, 1984 D A Helminiak
Experiences labeled "religious" that arise from temporal lobe epilepsy or certain personality disorders can be authentic, even when triggered by neurological pathology. Authenticity depends on whether the experience furthers the subject's genuine growth, not on its cause. Historical examples show that pathological conditions have occasioned authentic religious experiences. The question of God's role in such experiences is secondary for practical purposes, and miraculous claims should not be accepted without sufficient evidence. This perspective resolves apparent conflicts between scientific explanations and religious faith.