Believers go on the rack to prove God relieves pain
Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:51 am
People are to be tortured in laboratories at Oxford University in a United States funded experiment to determine whether belief in GOD is effective in relieving pain.
Top Neurologists, pharmacologists,anatomists, ethicists and theologians are to examine the scientific basis of religious belief and whether it is anything more than a placebo.
Headed by Baroness Greenfield, the leading neurologist, the new Centre for Science of the Mind is to use imaging systems to find out how religious, spiritual and other belief systems influence consciousness.
A central aspect of the study, which has $2m funding from the John Templeton Foundation, a US philanthropic body, will involve dozens of people being subjected to painful experiments to laboratory conditions.
While enduring the agony, they will be exposed to religious symbols, such as the Virgin Mary or a crucifix. Their neurological responses will be measured to determine the efficacy of their faith in helping them to cope.
The aim is to develop new practical approaches ''for promoting well-being and ultimately maximising individual human potential''.
The experiments will be conducted under the direction of Toby Collins, who has a background in marine biology and the nerve systems of invertebrates. He said, many people in pain turn to faith for relief, Some looked to religious or secular healing systems.
Top Neurologists, pharmacologists,anatomists, ethicists and theologians are to examine the scientific basis of religious belief and whether it is anything more than a placebo.
Headed by Baroness Greenfield, the leading neurologist, the new Centre for Science of the Mind is to use imaging systems to find out how religious, spiritual and other belief systems influence consciousness.
A central aspect of the study, which has $2m funding from the John Templeton Foundation, a US philanthropic body, will involve dozens of people being subjected to painful experiments to laboratory conditions.
While enduring the agony, they will be exposed to religious symbols, such as the Virgin Mary or a crucifix. Their neurological responses will be measured to determine the efficacy of their faith in helping them to cope.
The aim is to develop new practical approaches ''for promoting well-being and ultimately maximising individual human potential''.
The experiments will be conducted under the direction of Toby Collins, who has a background in marine biology and the nerve systems of invertebrates. He said, many people in pain turn to faith for relief, Some looked to religious or secular healing systems.
:-5