Posts by Brokeback Watchtower

In this study, Owen et al. used MRI to measure the volume of the hippocampus, a central structure of the limbic system that is involved in emotion as well as in memory formation. They evaluated the MRIs of 268 men and women aged 58 and over, who were originally recruited for the NeuroCognitive Outcomes of Depression in the Elderly study, but who also answered several questions regarding their religious beliefs and affiliation. The study by Owen et al. is unique in that it focuses specifically on religious individuals compared to non-religious individuals. This study also broke down these individuals into those who are born again or who have had life-changing religious experiences.
The results showed significantly greater hippocampal atrophy in individuals reporting a life-changing religious experience. In addition, they found significantly greater hippocampal atrophy among born-again Protestants, Catholics, and those with no religious affiliation, compared with Protestants not identifying as born-again.
The authors offer the hypothesis that the greater hippocampal atrophy in selected religious groups might be related to stress. They argue that some individuals in the religious minority, or those who struggle with their beliefs, experience higher levels of stress. This causes a release of stress hormones that are known to depress the volume of the hippocampus over time. This might also explain the fact that both non-religious as well as some religious individuals have smaller hippocampal volumes.
This is an interesting hypothesis. Many studies have shown positive effects of religion and spirituality on mental health, but there are also plenty of examples of negative impacts. There is evidence that members of religious groups who are persecuted or in the minority might have markedly greater stress and anxiety as they try to navigate their own society. Other times, a person might perceive God to be punishing them and therefore have significant stress in the face of their religious struggle. Others experience religious struggle because of conflicting ideas with their religious tradition or their family. Even very positive, life-changing experiences might be difficult to incorporate into the individual’s prevailing religious belief system and this can also lead to stress and anxiety. Perceived religious transgressions can cause emotional and psychological anguish. This “religious” and “spiritual pain” can be difficult to distinguish from pure physical pain. And all of these phenomena can have potentially negative effects on the brain.

41

Does Believing in God Make You Dumb?

by Brokeback Watchtower in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzqaeusdmtk.

http://jdc.jefferson.edu/jmbcimfp/5/.

abstract.

Brokeback Watchtower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZqaeusdMTk

http://jdc.jefferson.edu/jmbcimfp/5/

Abstract

A study links life-changing religious experiences, like being born again, with atrophy in the hippocampus.

The article, “Religious factors and hippocampal atrophy in late life,” by Amy Owen and colleagues at Duke University represents an important advance in our growing understanding of the relationship between the brain and religion. The study showed greater atrophy in the hippocampus in individuals who identify with specific religious groups as well as those with no religious affiliation. It is a surprising result, given that many prior studies have shown religion to have potentially beneficial effects on brain function, anxiety, and depression.

3

Cannabis And the Brain (The risk factors)

by Brokeback Watchtower in

jw
friends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzt3qph5dpy

Brokeback Watchtower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRhz92GKlWE

21

A possible reason why the GB are becoming more demanding as things worsen

by Listener in

basically because they feel they are not being blessed.. this is not to say that all gb members feel this way.

the power hungry ones love getting the whip out.

the other members incorrectly look to the old testament for answers.. they are telling the sheep to be faithful, dedicated, self sacrificing, serving to the fullest, whole hearted and obedient.

Brokeback Watchtower

They are getting more demanding because it's the only way they know how to operate. The Watchtower has made it's empire off of the gullibility and free labor of others, which is the grass roots of their business model, after 135+ years of running things this way it is kind of hard to change. I think the only alternative they have is to put the pedal to the metal and bare down on every bit of free labor they can get till the shebang goes belly up.

As far as the organization in the future turning over a new leaf and becoming enlightened to their own short comings and throwing in the towels so to speak, it will never happen.

How Not To Be A Slave To Your Brain

by Brokeback Watchtower in

jw
friends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnnj1sdse3k

Brokeback Watchtower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnNj1SdSE3k