Conversion Thread on MAD - Intellectual or Spiritual

[_beastie]

Did you already mention the connection between mirror neurons and autism, or did I read that in an article?

I'll have to check in my book Why God Won't Go Away to see if they mention mirror neurons, as well. They talked at length about the "dissolving of self", the loss of boundaries between self and the external world, as an element of the numinous event, but I can't remember if they specifically mentioned mirror neurons. It may have been written too early to include them.

[_barrelomonkeys]

Barrel, if you want to read a really funny book, check this out: http://www.mup.unimelb.edu.au/catalogue ... 438-9.html

I don't doubt Phillip simply can't believe, no matter how hard he tries (and I corresponded with him at some length in the '90s). Yet in his introduction to Darryl Reanney's book The Death of Forever: A New Future for Human Consciousness, he wrote:

Darryl Reanney's attempt to synthesise the discoveries and speculations of the finest minds resonates with my sense of the numinous and makes me willing, more than willing, to reassess my beliefs and disbeliefs - to review what I think about God.

Reanney was a prominent Australian microbiologist who was an atheist, and started writing his book from an atheist viewpoint. By the end of the book his views totally changed, and he veered to a belief in God, but not, it should be noted, the God of the Bible. He believed that Buddhism was the religion which synthesised most with his belief in God.

Oh! I missed this post earlier. Ack! Another book I'll have to order. Oh dear...

[_barrelomonkeys]

Did you already mention the connection between mirror neurons and autism, or did I read that in an article?

I'll have to check in my book Why God Won't Go Away to see if they mention mirror neurons, as well. They talked at length about the "dissolving of self", the loss of boundaries between self and the external world, as an element of the numinous event, but I can't remember if they specifically mentioned mirror neurons. It may have been written too early to include them.

I did mention autism and mirror neurons. I think it's in the article too, though.

Okay, I just got it for $8, so that fits my budget. :)

http://www.amazon.com/Why-God-Wont-Go-A ... 0345440331

I need to order this too. Maybe after Christmas? :) http://www.amazon.com/God-Gene-Faith-Ha ... 17-4768815

[_barrelomonkeys]

Oh crapola! This looks interesting too:
http://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-What- ... _b_title_5

Anywhoha. Back to my original question. How can someone force themselves to believe in something that they do not believe? I'm waiting for a reasonable explanation that explains how I can do this.

[_Gazelam]

The only way to know if God is there is to receive a revelation. You get a revelation through prayer. There is no other way.