Theory of Brain Area Dealing With Spirituality Debunked

Researchers from University of Missouri have debunked the "God spot" theory that there is one particular region of the brain that deals with spirituality.

Researchers led by Professor Brick Johnstone analyzed the brains of 20 individuals who suffered from traumatic brain injuries to the right parietal lobe, which is situated roughly a few inches above the right ear.

The researchers found that those who suffered from the most severe damage on the right parietal lobe expressed an increased feeling of closeness with God. The researcher confirmed that while there is a neuropsychological basis for spirituality, it was not limited to any specific area of the brain.

"Spirituality is a much more dynamic concept that uses many parts of the brain. Certain parts of the brain play more predominant roles, but they all work together to facilitate individuals' spiritual experiences", the researchers wrote in their report, which has been published in the International Journal of the Psychology of Religion.

Source: Medindia