Experiences an individual had before becoming part of a religion may be reinterpreted as religious experiences if examined from the new point of view. The John Templeton Foundation is currently giving grants for researchers studying the connection between spirituality and healing, thereby encouraging controlled research related to religion and spirituality. Religious truth claims are often stated in metaphorical language. God is a Father, Shepherd, and Creator. The Church is the body of Christ.
Scientific language is also often metaphorical.
This does not detract from the underlying message. In fact, it helps to make the message more understandable, but only if the language is recognized as metaphorical, and not taken literally. Religious models and metaphors are also revisable, as are scientific models. Science tries to learn new things about the world, to extend the body of knowledge about the universe. Theology tries to explain what is already stated, to make clear and understandable the ideas of a religion.