Logic tells me God doesn't exist but my heart says otherwise.

[bennyboy]

^ I fully agree, Ben. I think it's fair to say that scientists and atheists who ignore the significance that these experiences contain, as insights into the nature of human consciousness and its entire (often subconscious) scope--which include religious or mystical states--are not being terribly scientific or rational.

What, then, is the significance of these experiences?

It depends very much on the specific experience. Let's take one particular experience-- the feeling that "all is one," that the self is really indistinguishable from the rest of the universe, and that all living things are intimately connected rather than separate. This experience can be so powerful that it turns a person's world view upside down.

I think this experience represents a fundamental truth, and one that is perfectly in accordance with the reality of the universe as we see it. I'd say "all is one" is probably more factually sound than "I'm super-important, so get out of my way, asshole *honks car horn*."

It also has the advantage of bringing a sense of peace: if I'm just a part of the universe, just star dust, just dirt animated by the sun-- then what do I really have to worry about? I'll enjoy my life, make my mistakes, and then all the "stuff" that makes me will be released back into the universe. I'd say a philosophically-driven change in world view which results in a more contented, peaceful life would be significant indeed. And EVEN IF the experience that caused this changed got attached to ideas about God, it would represent an improvement for many.