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What does the research I reviewed say about the relationship between mystical experience and psychotic episodes? The majority of scholars come to conclude that mystical experience and psychosis are both examples of naturally available, altered states of consciousness. Investigations explore the "location" of these experiences within the range of altered states of consciousness. Efforts are being concentrated on designing measurements systems to determine the characteristics which distinguish the two experiences.
Peter Buckley (1981) presents findings from an examination of reports of mystical experiences and episodes of acute psychosis. The purpose of his study is to see what is the relationship between the two experiences, as there are many evident similarities. Buckley writes,
"The appearance of a powerful sense of noesis, heightening of perception, feelings of 'communion' with the 'divine', and the exultation may be common to both. The disruption of thought seen in acute psychosis is not a component of the accounts of mystical experience reviewed by the author, and auditory hallucinations are less common than visual hallucinations in the mystical experience" (p.516).
Buckley goes on to suggest that the two experiences are both elements of a "limited repertoire of response within the nervous system for an altered state experience" (p.516) -- similar, but distinct elements.
Delving further into the relationship, Buckley notes that one subtype of schizophrenia is less distinct from mystical experience. He explains that Schizophreniform Psychosis episodes are generally without auditory hallucinations, delusions, or impaired social relations. In addition, the episodes are generally brief, like the mystical experience. Other forms of schizophrenia, in contrast, may last for great lengths of time. Buckley explains that schizophreniform psychoses are believed to be "a variant of the affective disorders" (p.520). He suggests that what acute psychosis and mystical experience share "is simply and ecstatic affective change which imbues perception with an increased intensity" (p.520). Note that the term "acute" describe brief psychotic episodes with a very short onset.
Originally posted by stompk
Yes, Bill does look Jewish. I believe he was Jesus. He said he didn't want people to think he was Jesus because they would expect him to do miracles he may or may not be able to perform. Here's is a comparison to the shroud of Turin. He is remarkably similar, cheek structure, nose structure, line accros the forehead.
Originally posted by Leyla
Now Stompk I don't think the Shroud of Turin was ever proved if the image was Jesus or not. Some even thought it was a painting.
Originally posted by stompk
Originally posted by Leyla
Now Stompk I don't think the Shroud of Turin was ever proved if the image was Jesus or not. Some even thought it was a painting.
You must admit, Bill and the Shroud are very similar. Keep in mind, the pictures of him are from a lower angle. Tilt Bill's head down, and relax his face muscles, and you have a very close match.
Funny thing was Bill wanted to get a cat scan of his body, to prove to people who he was/is (not sure if Bill is still around, felt a strange feeling of Bill dying the other day, May 2nd). We actually went to the hospital, and got a indigineous application. Bill said, people would believe if the could see inside his body, because he shouldn't be alive. Bill left before we could get this.