From: daly@vanilla.princeton.edu (John Daly)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: Re: ECSTACY
Date: 10 Nov 92 07:01:02 GMT
Organization: Princeton University

What you report is in fact quite normal for an "altered state of
conciousness" experience.  There is quite a bit of literature in
this area.  A particularly good reference is M. Shuster's _Power,
Pathology, Paradox: The Dynamics of Evil and Good_ which treats
the issues of ASCs in the larger framework of spiritual warfare.
I will be quoting from this reference below.

To begin with we must consider brain physiology.  In summary, the
left-temporal lobe is the center for verbal, linear, and analytic
reasoning while the right responds to patterned wholes and may be
dominant in imagery, sociability, intuition, and our "religious
responsiveness".  ASCs are basically induced by a suspension or
diminution of left temporal-lobe activity, or in other words, by
disengaging the facility for critical rational thinking.

   use of drugs as an adjunct to or stimulus for religious
   experience scarcely originated with LSD freaks: note the
   native Americans' longstanding use of mescaline. ... In
   short, similar sets of events may be initiated by either
   drugs or worship; furthermore, the two have often been
   associated in practice.  One might conclude that what we
   perceive or experience depends simply on a particular
   pattern of brain activity, no matter what _caused_ the
   pattern.  (Shuster, 22)

But, the list goes on.  We can hardly stop with drugs.  Similar
psycho-physiological effects may be observed as results of hormonal
imbalances.  Some evidence shows that lack of calcium in water has
fostered claims of clairvoyance.  Repetative or rythmic stimulation
produce brain states reflecting the dominant right brain pattern.
(Which incidently is probably the attraction of using a drug such
as XTC in an environment including dancing and loud rythmic music.
They compliment each other in reinforcing the right brain experience.)
On the other hand though, a LACK of sensory input can produce similar
brain wave patterns.  Sensory deprivation environments, transcendental
meditation (TM), and even daydreams can be examples of such.  Also
associated with suspension of the critical rational process are the
various occult practices, including ouija boards, tarot cards, and
astrology, which all tend to have similar psychological effects on
the user.  (Note: Deut. 18:10-12)  However, in contrast to this type
of process notice that Eph. 6:18 exhorts us to be "alert" in prayer,
implying that even though Paul was not the beneficiary of twentieth
century psychology he probably had a keen awareness for the dangers
involved in the suspension of the critical rational process.

So, what are the dangers?  Well, the first point I hope that might
be gleaned is that the "subjective human experience" is inadequate
for the critical discernment of God's will.  In fact, our experience
and moods tend to be more readily influenced by the current chemical
state of our body than by any supernatural cause.  A typical example
is a study showing that 45% of noninstitutionalized patients with
left temporal-lobe lesions have hallucinatory experiences!  (Shuster,
22)  These might easily be associated with the "religious experience"
but their cause is quite clearly physiological.  Thus, it is important
to acknowledge that "religious experience" is NOT tantamount to doing
God's will.  Demonic possession is also a "religious experience".

My second point brings me to the real danger of ASC experiences from
a Christian perspective.

   certain passive-receptive states of consciousness or certain
   brain states may leave one vulnerable to demonic attack.  Such
   brain states are fostered by occult activities, sexual inter-
   course, and pagan religions (the latter involving, in the East,
   meditative techniques); in many primative areas, by assorted
   rythmic stimuli; and in many cultures, including ours, by drugs.
   Lest there be misunderstanding, I do not suppose the brain state
   per se to be "wrong" or "evil": the mystical experience and the
   sexual experience can be very great goods.  The problem stems
   rather from the access an _empty_ house (Matt. 12:43-45) may
   provide for the Evil One.  Few are so pure and filled with God's
   Spirit that they are immune from attack--surely the saints have
   not been.  (Shuster, 178-179)

That, my brother, is my fear for you.  You live in a world of powers
and principalities.  Do not parade yourself naked and vulnerable in
the sight of the Evil One.  Do not put the Lord your God to the test
in this manner, for so it is written.  (Matt. 4:7)  Do not leave your
body an empty and unguarded temple for the experiences of the world.
No, I implore you to don the full armor of God (Eph. 6:13-17) so that
you might be victorious in all things for the glory of our Lord Jesus
Christ.  May God bless you.