Research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that over two-thirds of atheists who have had a personal encounter with “ultimate reality” or God change their opinion on the existence of a creator. The majority of participants experienced long-lasting psychological benefits, including finding purpose in life and happiness. The study was based on data from 4,285 people worldwide, with caution advised due to self-reporting bias. The Pew Research Center reports that 4% of American adults identify as atheists, while Western Europe has a relatively high percentage of atheists. In some countries, atheism is illegal and punishable by death.
It is said that there are no atheists in the trenches, but it may also be true that very few atheists remain that way after a personal encounter with “ultimate reality” or God. According to recent research conducted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, more than two-thirds of atheists who have had such experiences, either spontaneously or psychedelically induced, change their opinion about the existence of a creator. Additionally, the majority of study participants, regardless of their original religious beliefs, said they experienced long-lasting psychological benefits after their encounter with the divine. Such positive effects include finding purpose in life and being happy. The findings were based on data collected from 4,285 people from around the world, although most of the respondents were white men. The information was gathered via two 50-minute online surveys that asked for details about an encounter, which could have been with a “higher power,” including God, or a divine emissary, such as an angel. While the researchers concluded that such encounters usually lead to long-term mental health benefits, they also cautioned that because the survey relied on self-report, there could be bias and inaccuracies in the results.
The basics of unbelief:
According to the Pew Research Center, 4% of American adults identify as atheists and 5% consider themselves agnostics.
Western Europe has a relatively high percentage of atheists, including the Czech Republic, where 25% of adults say they don’t believe in God.
In some countries, atheism is illegal and can be punished by death, including in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and many other countries.
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