Finding God in the Brain
-
THE PREMISE Part 2
Humans are genetically "hard-wired" to develop in a very specific and particular way.
The same principle not only applies to universal physical traits, but to universal behaviors as well. Take, for instance, the fact that all honeybees construct their hives in the same hexagonal pattern. That all honeybee colonies, regardless of whether they've been exposed to any other, construct their hives in such an identical fashion means that they must be "hard-wired" to do so. It's not as if honeybees can build their hives any way they "desire," only by sheer coincidence all construct them in the same exact way. Apparently, honeybees are innately, that is, genetically "hard-wired" to construct their hives in this particular fashion. This would suggest that somewhere in the honeybees' brains there must exist a specific cluster of neurons that contain genetically inherited instructions which compel the bees to construct hexagonally shaped hives. The same principle holds true for anything from a peacock's instinct to display its feathers when exposed to an aroused peahen to a cat's instinct to groom itself. In essence, any behavior that is universal to any species is, more than likely, the consequence of a genetically inherited impulse or instinct.
THE "GOD" PART OF THE BRAIN Author Matthew Alper
Such is GOD your Lord, there is no god except He, the Creator of all things. You shall worship Him alone. He is in control of all things.
Peace
-
THE PREMISE Part 3
The fact, for instance, that every human culture - no matter how isolated - has communicated through language suggests that our species' linguistic capacities constitute a genetically inherited trait. Since our capacity for language represents a cognitive function, there must exist some very specific cluster of neurons within the brain from which our linguistic capacities are generated.
As we know such "linguistic" sites do exist in the human brain and include the Wernicke's area, Broca's area, and angular gyrus. Damage incurred to any one of these "language" specific sites will impair some very specific part of one's language capacities. What this clearly demonstrates is that our linguistic capacities are directly related to our neurophysiological makeup. Furthermore, this supports the notion that for every cross-cultural behavior our species exhibits there must exist a specific part of the brain from which that behavior is generated.
If it's true that this principle applies to all of our cross-cultural behaviors, should we not also apply it to spirituality? Every known culture from the dawn of our species has maintained a belief in some form of a "spiritual" reality. Wouldn't this suggest that human spirituality must represent an inherent characteristic of our species, that is, a genetically inherited trait? Furthermore, being that spirituality, just like language, represents a cognitive function, wouldn't this suggest that our "spiritual" instincts, just like our linguistic ones, must be generated from some very specific physical part within the brain? I informally refer to this site as the "God" part of the brain, a cluster of neurons from which spiritual cognitions, sensations, and behaviors are generated.
THE "GOD" PART OF THE BRAIN Author Matthew Alper
Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this."
Peace
-
Peace.
By nature, are we inclined to believe in a singular deity (god), or are we moreso inclined to believe in a multitude of deific figures and personalities? Historically, does monotheism predate polytheism, or does polytheism predate monotheism? And when I ask this question with regards to historical classification, I'm not talking about something that's merely documented in a religious text (e.g. the torah/bible, the qur'aan, etc.), with references to Adam and Eve, Noah, and all the ancient prophets knowing about the true god, etc. I'm talking about ACTUAL historical references.
If people are 'naturally' inclined to believe in god(s), then how many gods are they inclined to believe in? Does monotheism predate polytheism? And, if not, why doesn't it?
Peace,
Ahmad
-
Is there a difference between the brain of an atheist andthe brain of a religious person?
?Emma Schachner, UtahAndrew Newberg, director of research at the Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia, responds
Researchers have pinpointed differences between the brains of believers and nonbelievers, but the neural picture is not yet complete.
Several studies have revealed that people who practice meditation or have prayed for many years exhibit increased activity and have more brain tissue in their frontal lobes, regions associated with attention and reward, as compared with people who do not meditate or pray.
For now we can say that the religious and atheist brains exhibit differences, but what causes these disparities remains unknown.
Peace
-
i don't agree that atheists are so because of brain differences,thats absolutely wrong by practical evidences for many people whom have converted from atheism to islam eventhough that they were atheists for long years.
One example of many
http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gr54pYc3Ak -
i don't agree that atheists are so because of brain differences,thats absolutely wrong by practical evidences for many people whom have converted from atheism to islam eventhough that they were atheists for long years.
One example of many
http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gr54pYc3AkSalaams FearGod,
We Are Born With Instinctive Knowledge About God.
Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this."
Brain scans taken while a person is praying or meditating shows activity in the brain
that indicates that a communication is occuring between the person and the
object of devotion, this is "open" to all human beings except in case of brain injury.
Contrarily, when one does not believe or attempt to access an object of devotion thru
meditation or prayer thereby shutting the door of communication, there is no activity in
the brain indicating such an experience has occured.Atheist like everyone else can communicate with God if they so choose, but because
of personal reasons, choose not to. That is why you see an atheist convert to belief
after they have a change of mind for whatever reason.For example
An atheist denies the existence of God then moves to accept God's existence,
is no longer an atheist.Being that spirituality, just like language, represents a cognitive function, wouldn't this suggest that our "spiritual" instincts, just like our linguistic ones, must be generated from some very specific physical part within the brain? I informally refer to this site as the "God" part of the brain, a cluster of neurons from which spiritual cognitions, sensations, and behaviors are generated.
Peace
-
Peace Ahmad Bilal,
Peace.
By nature, are we inclined to believe in a singular deity (god), or are we moreso inclined to believe in a multitude of deific figures and personalities? Historically, does monotheism predate polytheism, or does polytheism predate monotheism? And when I ask this question with regards to historical classification, I'm not talking about something that's merely documented in a religious text (e.g. the torah/bible, the qur'aan, etc.), with references to Adam and Eve, Noah, and all the ancient prophets knowing about the true god, etc. I'm talking about ACTUAL historical references.
If people are 'naturally' inclined to believe in god(s), then how many gods are they inclined to believe in? Does monotheism predate polytheism? And, if not, why doesn't it?
Peace,
AhmadGood questions, I suggest you do the research yourself and come to your own conclusions.
"historical references" require research and that is best done by the questioner, and then
return and let us know what you have found.Peace
-
Peace, hawkninetynine.
I suggest you do the research yourself and come to your own conclusions.
"historical references" require research and that is best done by the questioner, and then
return and let us know what you have found.I actually DID research these factors - several years ago, actually. I just wanted to propose some food for thought... Historically, polytheism predates monotheism by several thousands of years. So, deductively speaking, if people are genetically predisposed to believe in god(s), then we can fairly assert that people are naturally inclined to believe in a multitude of gods, not just one (e.g. monotheism).
Peace,
Ahmad
-
Peace Ahmad.
Research all you like, believe all other books as much as you like, if they do not agree with what Qoran says, then it is not the truth.
You see, Ahmad, Qoran is the ultimate truth, it is the proven word of God.
God said prior to our creation, he put " Monotheism" in our brain/mind. However we are inclined towards " Polytheism" because of " Ego and Arrogance".
Peace.
-
Peace Ahmad.
Research all you like, believe all other books as much as you like, if they do not agree with what Qoran says, then it is not the truth.
You see, Ahmad, Qoran is the ultimate truth, it is the proven word of God.
God said prior to our creation, he put " Monotheism" in our brain/mind. However we are inclined towards " Polytheism" because of " Ego and Arrogance".
Peace.
Well said
-
WHICH CAME FIRST
Which came first monotheism or polytheism?
Some of the most famous polytheistic religions have a different definition of "god" than the monotheistic religions do. Every monotheistic religion (that I am aware of, there may be exceptions) believe that their god is the creator of the world, and all that inhabit it. From this view point, many gods in the famous polytheistic religions would be considered simply spirits (possibly angels, possibly demons, depending on the terminology of the specific monotheistic religion).
(taken from religions today)One God
Have they found gods on earth who can create?
If there were in them (the heavens and the earth) other gods beside GOD, there would have been chaos. Glory be to GOD; the Lord with absolute authority. He is high above their claims.
There seems to be enough evidence, at least from a superficial look at these few religions, that it would have been feasible for these various religions to have grown out of a monotheistic world view, rather than vice-versa.
I would say yes, monotheism would occur first then devolve into polytheism.
a casual glance at the major religions today started out monotheistic and over time,
"added" sub-deities thru time and devolved to polytheism. There is no evidence that religions started out polytheistic, shed idols and became monotheistic, the opposite appears to be true.It can easily be said that adam and eve were monotheist!
The polytheistic nations simply got it wrong!Original Monotheism rapidly devolved into Polytheism until Abramham.
The rest is history.Consider the following famous polytheistic religions
Christianity started out monotheistic then added christ then the pope.
Hinduism has montheistic overtones
Some native American mythology speaks of an universal and omniscient Great Spirit.Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.
Peace
-
Peace, good logic.
Research all you like, believe all other books as much as you like, if they do not agree with what Qoran says, then it is not the truth.
You see, Ahmad, Qoran is the ultimate truth, it is the proven word of God.
God said prior to our creation, he put " Monotheism" in our brain/mind. However we are inclined towards " Polytheism" because of " Ego and Arrogance".
You don't think it sounds arrogant to say things like, "Research all you like, believe all other books as much as you like, if they do not agree with what Qoran says, then it is not the truth"? Maybe it's just me...
The Qur'aan is NOT the "proven" word of God - unless you're using a ridiculous definition for the word proven. There's nothing "proven" about any of that, which is why the religion of Islam, just like all other religions, is based on the concept of 'faith in the unseen'. There's no proof of a god at all; so how can you "prove" that the Qur'aan is his written word?
The Qur'aan claims to be a confirmation of the Torah, right? Yet, the Torah isn't based on the concept of pure monotheism, even though this is what modern Judaism teaches. It's based on henotheism. The Jews didn't believe that their god was the ONLY god - they merely accepted him as being the HIGHEST god. Keep this in mind when examining their scriptures, especially in the context of your own beliefs.
Peace,
Ahmad
-
Peace Ahmad.
It is arrogant to ignore all the signs around you and how your body is designed and functions and say there is no designer!
Peace.
-
Peace, good logic.
It is arrogant to ignore all the signs around you and how your body is designed and functions and say there is no designer!
Firstly, I never claimed that there's "no designer". Is there one? Personally, I don't know. From my perspective, though, I can say that I haven't seen any evidence for the existence of one. Science can explain factors relating to how the human body developed, and how it works, that don't require the existence of some type of "guiding figure" (God) to make it happen. So, what 'ignored signs' are you referring to? Is it arrogant of me to question things, rather than believing everything that someone else tells me is the truth?
Secondly, the real determination of arrogance is exemplified in the theistic position, not the atheistic (or agnostic) one. A Hindu theologian claims that Brahma created the universe from himself, after being conceived through the 'egg' of a lotus plant. A Christian hears this story and asserts that the Hindu theist is foolish for believing that type of nonsense - that Jesus, a man born of a virgin woman in the first century, actually created the universe. A Muslim overhears both of the men talking and asserts that both of them are wrong - that his god, Allah, is the real creator of the universe, and refusal to acknowledge him (and only him), despite the lack of evidence for his existence, will get them thrown into a fiery hell for all eternity.
The irony here? There's no more evidence for the existence of Allah than there is for Brahma or Jesus, or Zeus and Apollo for that matter! The same logical 'debunking' system that's often used to reject the notion of Odin's existence can be used to dismiss the existence of Allah, since the two gods have most of the same traits and divine characteristics. The same system that's used to debunk the existence of Thor can be used to dismiss the belief in Jesus or Athena. In fact, if we look at philosophical ideologies on the basis of physiological determinations in ancient religions, we can safely conclude that there's more proof for the existence of the gods Ra (the manifest form of the Egyptian god Amun) and Mithras, Ahura Mazda and Krishna, than there is for the Qur'aanic representation of Allah!
So, even if you could somehow authenticate the existence of a god, there's no way you'd be able to prove that it's actually your god that exists. The matter would still be up for debate in the Islamic sector, and you'd still be calling everyone else 'arrogant', despite what the evidence shows. Again, how ironic!
Peace,
Ahmad
-
Peace Ahmad.
"... The darkness sacramental of the Eucharist is unfathomable. Besides, if it were intelligible, it would not be divine. If the God we serve could be understood by reason, he would not worth to be served, said Tauler *; ... if the works of God were such that the intelligence of man could easily grasp them, they cease to be wonderful and could not be described as ineffable. "
- John Tauler, theologian of the 14th
This excerpt, by Joris-Karl Huysmans, in his book, "En route", describes the struggle of the majority of people with the concept that faith coincides with reason. The dichotomy between faith and reason is disastrous as it leads to an illusory perception of this world.
We are fortunate to live in an age where scientific and technological advances allow a better understanding of the precise physical and biological laws of this world. Unfortunately, divine grace always exposes the human's ingratitude.
Most people are convinced that reason and science prove the in-existence of God rather than His existence. The more they attain knowledge about the laws and systems of the entire universe, the more they incline to believe that the creation of the universe and the repetition of creation they witness every second passes by are accidental! They, thus, conclude that those laws and systems simply exist haphazardly.
How irrational and ironic! Laws and systems do not exist without a supreme intelligence and an omnipotent source to establish them. If they were haphazardly set, how would they constantly perform in such sophistication, precision, consistency, coordination and harmony? Reason that does not lead to faith in a Supreme Authority does not reveal the entire truth. It is flawed since it cannot be fully traced, backed up and verified."The probability of life originating from accident is comparable to the probability of the Unabridged Dictionary resulting from an explosion in a printing factory." Edwin Conklin
I am not asking for blind faith. I am asking you to keep checking, there is evidence. I will not be able to convince you. I can only say to you I am convinced.
The truth stands by itself as ONE, VERIFIABLE and COHERENT TRUTH with no conditions or contradictions. If something is not true, then it has to be false and unverifiable. Reason, by itself, cannot and will not stand behind or justify creation, life and death. Blind, man-made faith that does not acknowledge science cannot stand behind or explain why we are here.
There has to be one supremacy and one intelligence, a source and a founder of all facts, scientific and religious. That is God, the Creator, the Designer and the Artisan. He is that ONE, VERIFIABLE and COHERENT TRUTH. That is why the truth of reason & science and truth of faith are one and the same; they describe the same reality.Peace
-
Faith is an intrinsic part of human nature
God, science, no God, Alien encounters, Multi gods, witchcraft, sponetaneous generation?
Everybody believes in something, the question is what do you believe in?
Atheist and scientists, have "faith" in that which can be observed, measured and repeated
and have faith in journals, and opinions which they themselves have not tested but believe
to be true because other scientists conclude their research has been proven to be correct.
Is this not blind faith?Many followers of faiths take the word of men over that of the Creator, and believe some men
are infallible, idolizing the created alongside the creator."If One claims not to believe in the one God, then they are a believer in something else nonetheless!
Everyone has a lord and master, which one will you choose?
GOD there is no other god besides Him, the Living, the Eternal. Never a moment of unawareness or slumber overtakes Him. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. Who could intercede with Him, except in accordance with His will? He knows their past, and their future. No one attains any knowledge, except as He wills. His dominion encompasses the heavens and the earth, and ruling them never burdens Him. He is the Most High, the Great.
I submit to the lord of the universe
Peace
-
Peace.
Faith and knowledge are two entirely different things. There's no faith necessary to disbelieve in something; the burden of proof is on the believer to authenticate his/her beliefs and assertions. Also, you don't need to believe in observable science, because it's based on proven concepts and ideas. The assertion that atheists have faith that there's "no god" is equivalent to saying that adults have faith that there's no Santa Claus, or saying that intelligent humans have faith that there are no flying pink unicorns orbiting the White House. Ultimately, there's no verifiable proof for any of them, and there's no faith necessary; the assertions themselves, to any rational thinker, are ridiculous. Again, the burden of proof is on the believers to verify the existence of the things they believe in.
Should we submit to the "lord of the universe"? It depends on the context. It should be noted that worshipping our ideas concerning God isn't the same thing as worshipping God himself. The only way to accurately worship God is to know exactly who and what God is; otherwise, we're just worshipping our own ideas.
So, can anyone explain exactly who and what God is? And, if not, how do you submit to him/her/it?
Peace,
Ahmad
-
Peace hawkninetynine.
I submit to the Lord of the universe with you.
WHO IS THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE?
3962 GOD is the creator of all things, and HE is in full control of all things.?
3965 It has been revealed to you and to those before you ( All the religions that claim are from GOD!) that if you ever commit idol worship, all your works will be nullified and you will be with the losers.?
3966 Therefore you shall serve/ worship ( and submit to!) GOD ALONE, and be appreciative.?
( for creating you, giving you a chance to redeem yourself back to HIS kingdom?)
3967 They can never fathom ( or value!) the greatness of GOD. The whole earth is within HIS fist on the day of Resurrection; In fact the whole universe is folded within HIS right hand. Be HE glorified, HE is much too high above needing partners.?
407 Those who serve the dominion/throne and all around it ( Angels?) glorify and praise their Lord and believe in HIM. (Totally submit!) And they ask forgiveness for those who believe. ( Among the humans) The Angels say? Our Lord, your mercy and your knowledge encompass all things, forgive those who repent and follow your path, and spare them the retribution.??? ( They know the best deal!, They want you and I to redeem ourselves back to our creator!)
4010 Those who disbelieve will be told? GOD s abhorrence towards you is even worse than your own abhorrence towards yourselves. For you were invited to believe, but choose to disbelieve.? ?
4011 They will say? Our Lord, you have put us to death twice and you gave us two lives; Now we have confessed our sin, is there any way out?? ?
( You are given this life to make your own decision! If you do not choose to believe, then do not blame GOD! or anyone else?Only yourself to blame!)4015 Possessor of the highest rank and ruler of the whole dominion. ( in the heavens and the earth!) HE sends inspiration bearing HIS commands to whoever HE chooses from among HIS servants to warn about the day of summoning.?
4055 Therefore, be patient, for GOD s promise is true ??
4056 Surely those who argue against GOD s revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore seek refuge in GOD; HE is the Hearer, the Seer.?
4057 The creation of the heavens and the earth is even more awesome than the creation of the human being, but most people do not know.?
4059 Most certainly, the hour ( day of judgement!) is coming, no doubt about it, but most people do not believe.?
4060 Your Lord says? Implore ME and I will respond to you. ( The decision is yours and yours only!) Surely those who are too arrogant to serve/worship ME (submit to redeem themselves back to GOD s kingdom!) will enter Ge-henna ( 8th universe, ..) forcibly.? ? ( Remember it is your decision, you are choosing where to be when you return to your Lord!)
4065 HE is the living; There is no other god except HE. You shall devote your Deen/religion absolutely to HIM ALONE! Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.?
I submit to the Lord of the universe.
Peace.
-
A DEITY FOR EVERYONE
You Choose
When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.
Types of Idols
- Calf, statues as idols.
- Worshipping other gods (is worshipping the devil).
- Jesus as idol.
- Jinns as idols
Yet, they set up beside GOD idols from among the jinns, though He is the One who created them. They even attribute to Him sons and daughters, without any knowledge. Be He glorified. He is the Most High, far above their claims. - Children as idols.
- scientists as idols.
- politicians as idols.
- pseudo-science as idols
- satan (directly) as idol
- physical appearence as an idol
- "Intercessors" as Idols. From the Quran, it is obvious - there is no intercession by anyone on the Day of Judgment.
- Property as an idol.
- The dead prophets, messengers and saints as idols.
- God's servants as idols.
- Ego as an idol.
This is a common form of idolatry. Most humans, because of their ego cannot bring themselves to worship God, nor can they make their opinion subordinate to God's opinion spelled out in the Quran because of their ego. If we disobey God and His messenger, we are committing idol worship even though there is no image in front of us. This is because we would be giving our opinion more importance than God's words.
Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate?
Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed?
-
Upholding religious Sources other than God's words, as an idol.
-
Religious leaders and scholars as idols.
-
Creating sects in religion is idol worship.
You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and - whatever you do - do not ever fall into idol worship. (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have. -
Dividing believers is idol worship.
Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers.
I submit to the One God, there is none beside him worthy of worship.
Peace
-
Peace hawkninetynine.
Idol worship? They deny they are taking on other gods! Why? Because of "arrogance"!
5123 By the Lord of the heaven and the earth, this is as true as the fact that you speak.? ( And hear and think and live?)
5148 And We made the earth habitable, ( We will not be able to escape to any other planet in this universe?) a perfect design.?
5151 Do not set up beside GOD any other god. ( Do not follow blindly made up religions/ ways?) I am sent by HIM to you as a manifest Warner.? ( Again, you should trust in GOD ALONE!)
5152 Consistently, when a messenger went to the previous generations they said? Magician or Crazy?.?
5153 Did they make an agreement with each other? ( To ridicule/prosecute GOD s messengers!) They are transgressors.?
5154 You may disregard them; You cannot be blamed.? ( Everyone is free to make their own decision!)
5155 And remind , for the reminder benefits the believers.? ( Remind them that GOD created them to test their loyalty to HIM?)
5158 GOD is the provider, the Possessor of all power, the SUPREME.?
5150 You shall escape to GOD. ( If you cannot escape anywhere else? and submit to HIM!) I am sent by HIM to you as a Manifest Warner! ( It is up to you now?)
There is no escape from God except back to Him.
I submit to the Lord of the universe.
Peace.