Researchers from the United States have found that prayer affects the human brain like sex or music.
The results of the work of American scientists are presented to us by the journal Social Neuroscience. In their work, researchers admit that they still know very little about what believers call a manifestation of "higher spiritual powers." We are talking about the experiences that a person experiences during religious rituals. Meanwhile, new technologies provide answers to some questions.
One of the authors of the work, Jeffrey Anderson, has been observing the work of the brain of people with certain similarities that determine their behavior for several years. Previously, scientists have observed avid gamers who could not live without their hobby. Studies have revealed abnormalities in the brain of such people.
Now the focus of scholars has been on Christian Mormons living in Utah. The experiment involved several dozen deeply religious Mormons. Scientists used magnetic resonance imaging to analyze their brain function while reading the Bible and praying. The experiment was carried out in a special room that was supposed to remind people of their faith. So, on the walls were pictures of parishioners of churches, as well as statements of famous religious figures.
The study made it possible to identify a kind of "prayer centers" in the brain. They were activated while the participant was thinking about his faith. Scientists have found that these areas coincide with areas of the brain that are activated when listening to music, having sex or taking drugs. Thus, the peak of religious feelings was marked by the special activity of the pleasure center. In addition, scientists also noted the activity of the middle prefrontal cortex and areas associated with focusing on something.
It is noteworthy that observations of people who meditate have shown that other parts of the brain are active in them. Scientists themselves believe that their discovery will help to better understand the nature of religion and why so many people consider themselves to be believers.
Ilya Vedmedenko
Promotional video: