Experiments by Doctor Michael Persinger of Laurentian University, Canada, described in "NewSpeak KataZzzine" vol.2 issue 2, p.34-35, led to the production of a computer-controlled "helmet", the wearing of which could induce mystical experiences by stimulating the temporal lobe, amygdala and hippocampus with magnetic forces and low doses of electricity. Persinger suggests that people who are "temporal lobe sensitives" are most likely to have mystical experiences, as well as epileptic seizures. Use of "Dr. Persinger’s God Machine"(sic) appears to engender a temporary state where "waking" consciousness is supplemented by "dream" consciousness, both active at the same time! This state is characterised by Charismatic religious experiences, "other-worldly" visions and memories exhibiting "extraordinary recall of long-lost detail".
Dr. Persinger does not discount the possibility of genuine, spontaneous religious
experience, explaining, "The fact that we can actually insert a God experience
does not change the fact that the process is there for some functional or evolutionary
reason. If one accepts that God created the universe, then why not have a brain
mechanism whereby these experiences take place?
" The doctor’s experiments
apparently worked so well that an Evangelist group demonstrated outside his
office believing that he and his equipment were demonic…
If we accept that it is possible to "insert" religious and mystical experiences by deliberate electrical stimulation of the brain, it should also be possible for such experiences to be triggered in some individuals by unusually strong electrical or magnetic fields, such as those generated by thunderstorms or high-voltage power lines – both of which are known for their association with UFO activity…
Peet, 13th May 1998