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Some theists claim to have direct experiences with “God.” What’s going on here? Is it ultimately caused by chemicals in the brain? Or is it literally God himself? Is there any way to determine the truth?
Some theists claim to have direct experiences with “God.” What’s going on here? Is it ultimately caused by chemicals in the brain? Or is it literally God himself? Is there any way to determine the truth?
Since EVERYTHING we experience is the result of what you call "chemicals in the brain," I don't know how you would make any such distinctions.
Some theists claim to have direct experiences with “God.” What’s going on here? Is it ultimately caused by chemicals in the brain? Or is it literally God himself? Is there any way to determine the truth?
bold above, yes. experience it for yourself.
as many have. leaving descriptions, map, guide in various sacred texts and traditions lo these many thousands and tens of thousands of years.
it is not a spectator spot. to validate and verify requires participation.
otherwise it's like trying to learn to cook without ever setting foot in the kitchen or without ever experimenting with various methods, techniques, cuisines, flavors, ingredients, variations.
in short no one can do it for you, and no one can prove it to you.
the only person who can do this is you.
Last edited by Tzaphkiel; 05-09-2023 at 02:43 PM..
I was very young when I asked Jesus into my life, and He has been with me 67 years blessing and intervening for me all along.
I know His-voice in my life and I depend on His direction in both big and small issues.
God answers prayer and teaches me how and what to pray and whom to pray for often with specific direction.
First law, Love God with all one’s heart soul and might.
How much you invest in this relationship, God multiples in return.
Jesus said, Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.
Righteous from Gods perspective, not man’s.
Jesus said, I only do what my Father tells me.
That is our example.
It’s not academics.
It’s a relationship.
Matthew 7;21,22,23,
Some theists claim to have direct experiences with “God.” What’s going on here? Is it ultimately caused by chemicals in the brain? Or is it literally God himself? Is there any way to determine the truth?
I suppose it's like "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" as in the paper by Thomas Nagel. In other words the only way to know is through direct subjective experience.
It also depends on how one might perceive a direct experience with God. For instance a non-dualist might describe such an experience as the waking equivalent of a lucid dream.
Since EVERYTHING we experience is the result of what you call "chemicals in the brain," I don't know how you would make any such distinctions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscAlaMike
God is not *an* objective reality.
God is objective reality itself.
It is God that defines reality, and reality only exists because of God.
That’s pantheism. Which is fine, but ultimately kind of meaningless. It’s just semantics. If “god” is just another word for “the universe,” why does “god” even matter?
I just had a chicken sandwich for lunch. A chicken sandwich is part of the universe. That means I just ate a small piece of “god” for lunch. The word “god” loses all meaning.
That’s pantheism. Which is fine, but ultimately kind of meaningless. It’s just semantics. If “god” is just another word for “the universe,” why does “god” even matter?
I just had a chicken sandwich for lunch. A chicken sandwich is part of the universe. That means I just ate a small piece of “god” for lunch. The word “god” loses all meaning.
i agree. yes.
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You aren't wrong about everything, Mike! 
