What 'force' was this?

[fr0d0]

I think with personal experience it's very difficult to separate your thinking of a supernatural explanation, the more so the less explainable the experience is. I have a few experiences that I try hard to keep a lid on. I don't attribute them to supernatural cause at all. In the past (as both Atheist and Christian), I've wondered, I think like Coxie, if this is evidence of the supernatural, or a supernatural realm. But my religious experience would counter that; it would add tools to deal with it; a framework to assess it.
I think it's hugely important to be skeptical. And hugely important to be informed. From this foundation we're equipped to draw the best rational conclusions.

[CoxRox]

A specific god? Was a priest involved? What denomination of church? You said you were just describing an experience. You aren't, you're assuming the supernatural, assuming interaction, and THEN describing an experience. Yes you gave the nod to biology, with the caveat that there is something more to this life, and that many religious traditions agree on some sort of energy.

I experienced a 'power' not a specific god. Because I was at a Christian non denominational meeting, I have to allow for that as a 'mechanism', rightly or wrongly. Upon 'researching' this power that I experienced, I find that people of differing faiths, have experienced a very similar thing to me, so it goes beyond 'Christianity'. People who come together and focus on God (whatever that means to them) have experienced what I have.

FaithNo More, yes my brain could be tricking me. I accept that , that is a real possiblility. I understand where you are coming from. Unless you have experienced this 'power' then it's understandable that it will be doubted.

Frodo- yes, I agree with you. I retain my skepticism.

[Faith No More]

FaithNo More, yes my brain could be tricking me. I accept that , that is a real possiblility. I understand where you are coming from. Unless you have experienced this 'power' then it's understandable that it will be doubted.

I guess the main point I want to get across though is that internal trickery of the brain would be indistinguishable from an external source. In this case it makes sense to go with Occam's razor.

[downbeatplumb]

Upon 'researching' this power that I experienced, I find that people of differing faiths, have experienced a very similar thing to me, so it goes beyond 'Christianity'. People who come together and focus on God (whatever that means to them) have experienced what I have.

I think your linking of this phenomenon to god is a tad premature.

I bet some girls could replicate this experience just by thinking about justin bieber.

[Dotard]

You had a minor nervous breakdown.

You got all ascared.

[KichigaiNeko]

If we couldn't distinguish between our beliefs and reality we would be in a very bad way. Sorry I missed you in chat, was away from the keyboard for a bit.

Hence why I place a considerable amount of 'faith' for want of a better word, in the reality of the said experience. I wasn't a child who may have misunderstood what I was experiencing. I wasn't under the influence of any drugs. I wasn't unduly emotional or craving acceptance. I was just in a meeting. I wouldn't have guessed in a million years that a 'power' would show up like it did. I must acknowledge the effects on my physical system that ensued thus verifying the reality of what was taking place. I do however understand others skepticism. I would be the same if someone said they'd seen an alien.

We'll chat at some point no doubt....

It really is a very common phenomena Cox...anyone can do it and no it was not this deity that your church of friend s think it was.

I am of the oppinion that as creatures that generate a certain amount of 'electromagnetic energy' we are in a VERY SMALL way able to influence the minds of those around us...especially if they are gullible /susceptible to our influence. Pretty much like a very "good politician" who can sway the 'voters' to their way of thinking. Nothing more. It is how religion has spread through out the world of humans and how many useless people gain $$ from simpletons like yourself. It really is a scam.

Felt the same thing from a 'New Age devotee' personally so I am aware of what you speak...Zen would say it is the same thing as saying "hey You" in a crowded room but focusing on one individual and that individual turns around.... I think Terry Pratchett defined it best as the "I am Here" signal that everyone emits but no one will admit to.

Not really that wondrous ...very common place and you don't have to believe ANYTHING to experience it.

[The Grand Nudger]

Long story short, whenever you have a magical experience, cross off the usual suspects before assuming "forces"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_brain

[CoxRox]

The 'God Helmet' info is very interesting and ties in with what KichigaiNeko mentions about electromagnetic energy. I did allow for a natural 'force' in my first post, when I incorrectly said 'kinetic' when in fact 'magnetic' would have been a better word. Due to the absence of a 'helmet', it is possible the combined energies of myself and people around me, were enough to simulate a similar experience that can be created with the God helmet.

I disagree with you KichigaiNeko on a few points you make:

no it's not as common as you suggest. Yes, it may be common within groups of people, but it doesn't tend to happen whilst queuing in Asda. It may be that anyone can experience it under the right circumstances, and that it's all naturally explained by electromagnetism or something similar, but it certainly isn't a 'common' experience for most people.
I found it a very 'wondrous' experience and hence why I'll always wonder about it. Having considered the many suggestions on here, I am not as convinced it was God, as I was before. I'm more skeptical about it, but I'm still sure that it did really happen. I didn't imagine it. It was a real 'force' I felt.

[downbeatplumb]

Undoubtedly you had a powerfull experience.
But you were having a lot of attention payed to you and were in a situation were your inhibitions were lowered and lets face it there was an expectation that something like hat would happen. How many times have you seen people react like that to preachers of the snake oil holy roller kind.

[CoxRox]

Undoubtedly you had a powerfull experience.
But you were having a lot of attention payed to you and were in a situation were your inhibitions were lowered and lets face it there was an expectation that something like hat would happen. How many times have you seen people react like that to preachers of the snake oil holy roller kind.

Possibly. I've seen people 'react' at meetings and have always been skeptical of their 'reactions' e.g 'speaking in tongues' (I think they subconsciously make it up), falling back when the pastor touches them (I've never fell back). I tend to be more 'guarded' and more inhibited when I attend meetings, because I know that dodgy stuff can go on at these meetings. I've seen it, and it makes me wary. I've had folk pray for me before, and I find that quite 'harmless' and hence why I didn't expect to happen, what did happen. But, it's possible like you say.