Atheists: have you ever had a religious experience and what did you make of it?

[tantric]

I was looking over the wikipedia page on neurotheology and religious ecstasy and it occurred to me to ask if any other atheists have had such experiences and how they feel about them. There was a point in my life when I sought out such things and did find them. The simplest was through ecstatic dance, where you go to the club and cut a rug until you're covered with sweat and feeling glorious. Though I did this with MDMA a few times, normally I just ate healthy and kept clean (no alcohol, especially, or anything else mind altering) and went with a circle of friends. The feeling that comes on after you're past exhaustion and getting a second wind, the glorious floating, the energy, the love, I used to live for that. I never considered it supernatural, but it was undeniably religious and, I think, psychologically healthy. It helped me move past being an alienated, selfish teenager and learn compassion. While I have no illusions about it - it was a way of getting high, really, but it was still profound. I tried many other ways, including DMT and salvia, but for me, rhythmic dance was the best.

Anyone else ever had such an experience, or something similar - visions, near death, overwhelming awe, etc? Was it a positive? Can you be a rational, scientific atheist and still have a meaningful religious experience?

(this message brought to you by Late Nite disco at the 40 Watt, Athens GA)

[Minimalist]

Once...but it turned out to be simple diarrhea.

[Roxy904]

No, most athiests do not have religious experience; they are athiests for a reason.
Athiesm-lack of belief in a god or gods.

[reiemdis]

It seems that experience and reason could be at odds.

[Violet]

My entire religious experience stems from how absolutely and hilariously absurd everything is... like much of it was written sheerly for ironic wit, or to entertain. How often nearly impossible things perfectly come together in my life.

Like it's all a Dream... just like my own unceasing dreams. I make of it many complicated overlapping and conflicting feelings.

---

It seems that experience and reason could be at odds.

But what's even more likely is that they gave their husbands the slip and are currently enjoying a lovely lunch date together at the salad bar.

[reiemdis]

Depends if you like your spouse?

[Lucanus]

When I was a kid and I took my First Communion I swear I could feel some presence behind it. Weird that it only happened that time when I was surrounded by my relatives.

Now I think it was just autosuggestion. I mean, we're talking about cracker Jesus...

[Aoi Magi]

I have religious experiences twice a week at least. They come to me soon after going to sleep, after eating too much cheese.

[One Above All]

Yes. Back when I was a theist.

[Dragonetti]

I am not sure what a religious experience is? I have been a atheist my whole life.