The Neurobiology, Genetics and Evolution of Human Spirituality The Central Role of the Temporal Lobes
NeuroQuantology November 11, 2010 D. Comings 4 citations
Spirituality—a sense of connection with something greater, such as a supernatural entity, nature, or family—has a neurobiological basis. Factors that alter temporal lobe function, including electrical stimulation, epilepsy, trauma, psychedelic drugs, and severe anoxia, can produce spiritual or mystical experiences. The psychedelic DMT, acting on serotonin receptors in the temporal lobes, convinces even rational subjects that encounters with non-human beings are real, indicating that hippocampal memory cannot always distinguish external from internally induced experiences. Twin studies show a significant genetic component to spirituality, while religion is more cultural. Genes for spirituality likely were selected because social cohesiveness fosters survival. The neurobiology suggests the rational brain occasionally needs to give the spiritual brain space for beliefs that do not always make rational sense.