Does religion produce unique sensations?

[Dystopia]

Even if religion gives this weird kind of high, you have to consider the cost it comes at. Much the same as drinking and taking drugs are not free highs. If you're in it deep enough for this kind of thing to happen, you've lost at least one foot from reality.

I didn't really question that - My question is merely if religion can produce some kind of irreplaceable sensation that makes people addicted - I find it strange that some believers, even smart ones, just don't stop believing even if you present 100 reasons not to - Their "way of thinking" has something about it that fascinates me - I mean, to me it makes sense to not believe, it's just basic rationality, you don't even need to read books or be very educated - Even someone who can't read can be an atheist - I want to understand better how brains of theists work, particularly devout ones, I'm not interested in liberal/moderates/spiritualists.

From my personal observations, devout religionists can perfectly get "high" from spiritual experiences but in everything else in their lives they act rationally - I just don't get it, they face reality without any problems except when it comes to religion.

[robvalue]

The problem is that people can also pretend to get such feelings. I'm not saying that's generally the case, but I could quite believe a lot of people would say anything to fit in.

[Dystopia]

I agree, but when I go to church (rarely) and see people chanting, praying and doing strange things and gestures I doubt that is the case for most folks, specially because religion is not a big deal where I live, so there's no need to pretend.

[robvalue]

I've not seen it very much myself, thankfully. It all sounds really disturbing. It must have a lot to do with all feeding each other's delusions and working yourselves up into a group frenzy.

Probably some evolutionary explanation...

[Pyrrho]

I don't think most people have what is sometimes called a "religious experience."  Even among religious people.  But one need not be religious to have such kinds of experiences.  See, for example:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/200...rain.shtml

[Spooky]

The problem is that people can also pretend to get such feelings. I'm not saying that's generally the case, but I could quite believe a lot of people would say anything to fit in.

Exactly.  Combination of Groupthink and Peer pressure.

[Spooky]

I don't think most people have what is sometimes called a "religious experience."  Even among religious people.  But one need not be religious to have such kinds of experiences.  See, for example:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/200...rain.shtml

Interesting article.  However I disagree with the first point trying to say better than sex.  If that were the case there wouldn't be so many religious leaders addicted to porn and touching children.

[Pyrrho]

I don't think most people have what is sometimes called a "religious experience."  Even among religious people.  But one need not be religious to have such kinds of experiences.  See, for example:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/200...rain.shtml

Interesting article.  However I disagree with the first point trying to say better than sex.  If that were the case there wouldn't be so many religious leaders addicted to porn and touching children.

I don't think most religious leaders have "religious experiences."  So they get their kicks in other ways.

[Spooky]

Interesting article.  However I disagree with the first point trying to say better than sex.  If that were the case there wouldn't be so many religious leaders addicted to porn and touching children.

I don't think most religious leaders have "religious experiences."  So they get their kicks in other ways.

I agree.  As the saying goes "Oppression breeds resistance".  Look at the catholic church.  What do we expect from a bunch of dudes who aren't allowed to marry?