A futuristic question

[Zombie]

Suppose full immersion virtual reality was developed and its good enough to fully convince the mind of events that transpire within the virtual event.

Would it be good or bad to custom build religious experiences?

I can see the argument going many directions. The events would be artificial and detract from a non virtual religious experience. Or, The experiences could unite people through a common experience shared by those willing. Perhaps the Diety(in the view of Theists) permitted this technology to promote the good word. Perhaps the Diety is displeased with the artifice. Perhaps atheists could experience what the theists do. Perhaps it would only amount to an amusement park.

Your thoughts please.

[Doug Shaver]

Perhaps atheists could experience what the theists do.

Been there, done that. Except, it was real, not virtual.

[Tanakh Keeper]

Suppose full immersion virtual reality was developed and its good enough to fully convince the mind of events that transpire within the virtual event.

Would it be good or bad to custom build religious experiences?

As I see it, the true issue isn’t whether particular events within the FIVR are good or bad, but whether the FIVR is used for entertainment or mind control.

If for entertainment, then a person goes into the FIVR for fun. They could have a range of simulations to experience, like walking on the moon, being present at a 60’s civil rights protest, or tubing down the Amazon. However, if the FIVR was used to control the thoughts of people, then it would be very bad. It would be unethical and criminal, no matter who was creating the simulation.

[Mountain Man]

Would it be good or bad to custom build religious experiences?

I'd love to know what you think constitutes a "religious experience".

[Zombie]

I'd love to know what you think constitutes a "religious experience".

thats where it gets kinda subjective. there are dreams, visions, intuitions, psychotic/schizophrenic episodes, etc.. a professor of mine had a book that cataloged various 'peak' experiences by a variety of people. they all had similar features and it changes the life of the subject, as the subjects claimed. interestingly, religious people attributed it to their religion, the non religious to something else or just 'spirituality' or the 'universe' in general. ill have too look around for the book, i dont remember the name or author.

ive had my 'religious' experiences but i doubt many religious people would call them 'genuine'.

in the hypothetical, i guess we can say a similar catalog was collected and the requisite understanding of neuroscience is available.

[Jedidiah]

I have never had a "religious experience."

[Mountain Man]

thats where it gets kinda subjective. there are dreams, visions, intuitions, psychotic/schizophrenic episodes, etc.. a professor of mine had a book that cataloged various 'peak' experiences by a variety of people. they all had similar features and it changes the life of the subject, as the subjects claimed. interestingly, religious people attributed it to their religion, the non religious to something else or just 'spirituality' or the 'universe' in general. ill have too look around for the book, i dont remember the name or author.

So basically just some vague warm-fuzzies.

[Zombie]

So basically just some vague warm-fuzzies.

could be. some more vague than others i suppose. some fuzzies could be called pagan, others christian, others even perhaps scientologist... well, maybe not scientologist.

others might describe it as a reality shattering experience that they have no words to communicate it with but it leaves them with a tremendous sense of peace and calm and unity with god/universe/l ron hubbard.

[MegaHertz]

Suppose full immersion virtual reality was developed and its good enough to fully convince the mind of events that transpire within the virtual event.

Would it be good or bad to custom build religious experiences?

I can see the argument going many directions. The events would be artificial and detract from a non virtual religious experience. Or, The experiences could unite people through a common experience shared by those willing. Perhaps the Diety(in the view of Theists) permitted this technology to promote the good word. Perhaps the Diety is displeased with the artifice. Perhaps atheists could experience what the theists do. Perhaps it would only amount to an amusement park.

Your thoughts please.

How about a quest based VT world where you reaction to certain 'social situations' determines if you move ahead or back. Sainthood for the 'most kind' person and all sorts of extra hurdles for the one who would prefer all bridges be burned behind him. Might as well throw in a little tera-forming at the same time.
Angels could be disguised as a person who is out to get you to lose points by you treating him in an un-Christian way. (ie guy cuts you off in traffic and then hits the ditch, if you do anything other than pull him out and wish him a good day, you lose

Somehow you should also work in a random verse being applied to you somewhat like a 'Community Chest ' card with none that have get out of the lake free. lol

[Jaecp]

Well,

That people exist who are convinced by religion experience that is not limited to christianity, would seem to indicate that "religious experience" takes place in the brain. My (Thankfully former) muslim friend was convinced in this fashion. Ever seen an ex-pentecostal speak in tongues? Creepy, gotta tell ya. I've heard stories, from the people who claimed to experience them, that as a Buddhists chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo it affected the world around them in tangible ways (the specific example I recall was causing power fluctuations on command when attempting to convince a doctor to treat the dudes father without insurance)

Every religion I've heard of speaks of religious experience, they are, even if their religious belief is wrong, speaking of something that happened, and since there is, at most, one true religion then these "religious experiences" are a natural part of how our brain works and if they are a natural part of how our brain works, then a person can have a religious experience within the "true religion", if one exists, while still having it be this natural process. IE not a vision from god, but the same kind of brain deal that everyone else got.

Or something like that.

While this doesn't show that "authentic" religious experience would be false, it does indicate that just having a religious experience within christianity is not evidence of the truth of it.

[technomage]

some fuzzies could be called pagan

I like Pagan fuzzies.

[MegaHertz]

Ever seen an ex-pentecostal speak in tongues? Creepy, gotta tell ya.

I always thought that meant the Apostles could understand any language being spoken to them and then reply in their native tongue. I'm not sure I want to know how the modern Church has made that into, lol

[Zombie]

I like Pagan fuzzies.

that...sounds like a drink.
pagan fuzzies, im imagining something with vodka and coconut.

[Zombie]

How about a quest based VT world where you reaction to certain 'social situations' determines if you move ahead or back. Sainthood for the 'most kind' person and all sorts of extra hurdles for the one who would prefer all bridges be burned behind him. Might as well throw in a little tera-forming at the same time.
Angels could be disguised as a person who is out to get you to lose points by you treating him in an un-Christian way. (ie guy cuts you off in traffic and then hits the ditch, if you do anything other than pull him out and wish him a good day, you lose

Somehow you should also work in a random verse being applied to you somewhat like a 'Community Chest ' card with none that have get out of the lake free. lol

if thats what the participant wanted, i dont see why not. im sure some dorky D&D jokes could be applied as well.

[MegaHertz]

if thats what the participant wanted, i dont see why not. im sure some dorky D&D jokes could be applied as well.

I hate to admit it but I haven't heard any of them. lol