Medjugorje’s Uniqueness
Oxford University Press eBooks April 19, 2018 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190679200.003.0007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that reductionist explanations of extraordinary religious experiences as epilepsy, hysteria, or hallucination lack universal applicability, because neuroscience studies conducted in Medjugorje as Marian apparitions were reportedly occurring substantially challenge those theories. The chapter presents Medjugorje as a unique case in which spontaneous mystical experiences have been studied by neuroscience as they transpire. |
Abstract
Cognitive sciences like neuroscience have been used to study more common, cultivated, or induced religious experiences like states of meditation or prayer; however, in Medjugorje, it is the first time that spontaneous and extraordinary mystical experiences, such as visionary experiences in the form of Marian apparitions, have been studied by neuroscience as they are transpiring: pointing to Medjugorje’s uniqueness and importance. The chapter systematically considers the prominent interpretations of scholars who have tried to re-diagnose and explain extraordinary religious experiences as cases of epileptic seizures, hysteria, or hallucination, observing the work of Jean-Martin Charcot, Michael P. Carroll, Richard Dawkins, Andrew Newberg, and concluding with an analysis of Sigmund Freud’s interpretation of the “oceanic feeling” (i.e., mystical experience) and of his understanding of religion as a neurosis. The chapter explains how the scientific studies in Medjugorje substantially challenge the universal applicability of such reductionist theories.