In response to Lou Jenson’s May 22 letter:
My dear friends, don’t believe
everything you hear. Carefully weigh
and examine what people tell you. (1
John 4:1) Always be ready to give an
answer to anyone who asks you about
the hope you have. Be ready to give the
reason for it. But do it gently and with
respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
Lou’s “evidence,” in support of premise, prompted me to contact Professor Uffe Schjøedt, Department of the Study of Religion, Aarhus University, Denmark, who authored the research referenced in Lou’s letter.
Professor Schjøedt kindly forwarded a copy of the Denmark Study (Published by Oxford University Press, March 12, 2010).
Transcript of our ensuing May 23 conversation:
Gary Gamble:
Does your study draw any conclusion that would support the statement: “A lapse in the brain’s critical function seems necessary to accept belief of a deity?”
Uffe Schjoedt:
No, our study does not support that claim at all.
GG:
Did the focus of your study even set out to address the issue of God’s existence?
US:
No, not at all. We were only interested in how expectations and assumptions—about other persons—change brain activity and subjective experience in the context of intercessory prayer.
GG:
Was the study, in any way, intended to address the question of whether God exists or not?
US:
No, not at all.
GG:
It is my perception, this question (God’s existence) was simply used—prior to the study–to accurately profile those who participated as members of the study group.
US:
Yes, you are correct.
GG:
Thetrust factor appears to be central to your study; when the element of trust is present, the function of the prefrontal cortex (disciplines of concentration, planning and problem solving) is less likely to be called upon. To the extent trust exists in the relationship, is the need for skepticism and vigilance diminished?
US:
Yes, that is indeed our interpretation of the findings.
GG:
Could it be that the need to be “in control” of our lives, to stand as “guardians” over our personal well being, diminishes when these things are entrusted to a loving, caring, allknowing Heavenly Father; literally, putting our mind at ease/rest/peace?
US:
Yes, this is certainly a possibility. Other studies have shown similar brain inhibitions [restraint of action] in response to loved ones.
Consider the Old Testament prophet Isaiah’s words: You will guard
him and keep him in perfect and
constant peace whose mind [both its
inclination and its character] is stayed
on You, because he commits himself to
You, leans on You, and hopes confidently
in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
Garry Gamble
Grand Marais
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