Dopamine levels higher in religious people

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This research found that religious people have higher levels of dopamine release in the brain than non-religious people. It fascinates me because I’ve long thought that our church is very romantic and that we are generally very passionate. This can also be a detriment due to a desire to maintain that high. Maybe I’m just guilty of confimation bias.

What will the secularists use to raise dopamine levels to replace those made from religion? Drugs? Sex? Media entertainment? If True, it’s no wonder so many have gone astray.

scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=is-there-a-difference-between-the-brain
 
Does religion cause higher dopamine levels, or do people with higher dopamine levels tend to stay religious?
 
My agnostic psychology professor used reciting the rosary (notice I said recite, not pray) to show how dopamine levels increase during meditation . He stated any meditation woiuld do this…He hated that I challenged every facet of the science with my catholic beliefs. I have reserched his cLaim and it is false-yes dopimine levels increase during seculsr meditiation, but not to the degree focused prayer does.
God gives us gifts in many different ways.
 
mommy_k said:
My agnostic psychology professor used reciting the rosary (notice I said recite, not pray) to show how dopamine levels increase during meditation . He stated any meditation woiuld do this…He hated that I challenged every facet of the science with my catholic beliefs. I have reserched his cLaim and it is false-yes dopimine levels increase during seculsr meditiation, but not to the degree focused prayer does.
God gives us gifts in many different ways.
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How long ago was this?
 
triumphguy said:
Does religion cause higher dopamine levels, or do people with higher dopamine levels tend to stay religious?
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Probably highly debatable but I would have difficulty seeing a litmus test how human science would be able to guage how the human soul being spiritual reacts with the Parasympathetic nervous system.
 
The reason I posted this thread is that it seems obvious to me that secular atheists would try to substitute the dopamine release of religion for a non-religious one or several. The question then becomes which one or several? Chemical and physical stimulants would be my guess. Romantic Love would be out of the question. Less overpopulation fears and heartbreak that way. “Help Others” love would work because it is not romantic and it won’t produce more kids.
 
I thought this was already an established fact. 🤷 The concept would make sense - not to mention dopemine isn’t bad, it’s just when you’ve got so much that you become irrational that it becomes a problem.
 
It is very interesting

Here are several observations
Dopamine as I understand it is the minds “happy drug” or at least that is one of its functions.

So several questions
Do people’s experience of religion come from dopamine? (REligious extacy etc)
Is dopamine the thing that makes people believe in religion

Basically is dopamine the thing that makes people want religion and say it is true and prayer works etc
 
Aw yeah!!

Catholics are passionate!! Take a look at the saints!! 👍👍.
 
Zimm3r said:
It is very interesting

Here are several observations
Dopamine as I understand it is the minds “happy drug” or at least that is one of its functions.

So several questions
Do people’s experience of religion come from dopamine? (REligious extacy etc)
Is dopamine the thing that makes people believe in religion

Basically is dopamine the thing that makes people want religion and say it is true and prayer works etc
Click to expand...
It’s a “happy drug,” but I personally think the higher levels would more generally be due to religion - not what draws people to religion. Meditation and prayer are all developed acts that take time and training, just like any other learned skill. Not to mention, at least in Christianity, you learn to develop a more positive outlook on life - thus when you develop that outlook, there’s your higher dopamine levels.
 
Interesting post. As someone who is something of a deist and has received no real solace from religion, what gives me euphoria and an enormous sense of wellness, meaning, and self-worth is facing fears and achieving goals. That’s my substitite for divine consolation. I feel absolutely elated and invincible when I do those things, I feel a surge of joy and meaning. In college giving speeches in front of large groups was something I dreaded with my whole being, but the moments immediately after delivering the speech I felt a rush of well being. I am most depressed when I am without an aim or am fearfully avoiding experiences or challenges that would ultimately be beneficial. Euphoria can come in many forms. Respectfully, prayer always left me in a worst state, this is probably because I had such an expectant attitude. Afterward I would feel vexed and frustrated.
 
If anyone is interested in dopamine reuptake and the role of neutotransmitters in the brain there are many links and all you have to do is google them.
Much research has been done on this topic, and will continue as dopamine also plays a role in the treatment of parkinsons, nicotine addiction etc. Since psychology is an empirical scien you can see the data too involving focused prayer vs.meditation.
 
bri89 said:
Respectfully, prayer always left me in a worst state, this is probably because I had such an expectant attitude. Afterward I would feel vexed and frustrated.
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Yeah, definitely don’t go into prayer being expectant - never works for me anyway. Prayer/meditation should more or less be “reflecting” on thoughts as opposed to expectations of the results or trying to concentrate really hard. When I try to focus on something really hard while praying, it only ends in my being even more scatterbrained in the process, and then I get vexed/frustrated because I’m trying, but it just isn’t working. It can be pretty hard to pray sometimes.
 
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