Composed and posted on April 29, 2016
So far I have watched four episodes of The Story of God with Morgan Freeman. I have found it to be mildly interesting since much of what is discussed I have studied before. You can learn more about the series and the subject matter at
While I have not be overly impressed by the series thus far, there was one segment that caught my attention. In the third episode, wherein Freeman posits the question "Who is God?", there is a discussion about neurotheology ... a relatively new scientific endeavor that looks at the increased brain activity and functioning that arises from the contemplation of the divine. As it happens, NPR did a series on the subject matter some five years ago. You can find that discussion at
What intrigued me is the notion that there appears to be some measurable benefit derived from spiritual experience and practice. As evidenced by the brain scans that have been produced, it would appear that religious activity may indeed have an impact similar to that of some medicines. In words similar to those of Karl Marx, religion may indeed be an opiate for the masses. However, unlike the context in which Marx used the concept, in contemporary times, it just may be that the role religion plays is more beneficial than abusive.
Rather curious, don't you think?
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
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