Unbelievable? 17 Jul 2010 - Wired for God? The Biology of Spiritual Experience

From shamanism, hallucenogenic drugs, out-of-body experiences, to being "filled with the Spirit".  Christian author and barrister Charles Foster draws on these and many more  to examine the biological evidence of what happens when people claim supernatural experiences.

Is there room left for God?  Yes, says Foster, whose own experience of the Holy Spirit led him to research why our brains seem to be wired for God to communicate with us.

Susan Blackmore is an atheist and Professor of Psychology.  She reveals how her own 'Out of Body Experience' as a student led to research that ultimately convinced her that no "supernatural" activity is needed to account for these type of phenomena.

They debate the issues, including whether Consciousness itself can be given a naturalistic explanation.   

For Charles Foster see http://www.charlesfoster.co.uk/

To buy "Wired for God?" visit http://www.amazon.co.uk or click here

For Sue Blackmore see http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/

To buy "Consciousness: An introduction" visit http://www.amazon.co.uk or click here

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 27 Mar 2010 - Former atheists conversion experiences - Is it evidence for God? Richard Morgan & Todd Pitner with atheist Gordon Livesey

Unbelievable? 23 Aug 2008 - Why there almost certainly IS a God: Keith Ward and Robert Stovold

Join the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable