Is there proof that "near death" and other spiritual experiences can cure afflictions of the body, mind, and spirit? Are there simple ways to tap into a "universal power source" that spiritual masters call enlightenment? Is there scientific evidence of life after death that is being overlooked by skeptics? Is there scientific proof of a spot in our brains that communicates with God and the universe?
Pediatrician Melvin Morse believes the answer to all these questions is yes. Shedding new light on the links between science and mysticism, Where God Lives not only reveals the area of the brain that is our biological link to the universe, but also shows us the secret of tapping into the universal energy to achieve healing, personal peace, and transcendence. Filled with moving case histories, Where God Lives applies the rigor of science to the study of the spiritual to prove once and for all the existence of life after death.
OUTDATED, ERRONEOUS, and MISGUIDEDAugust 25, 2008 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
There are far better books that make the argument that a spiritual realm exists, or that human consciousness may, in some way transcend the physical limitations of the body (see for example, Dean Radin's books). This author clearly misreads and mis-applies the neurological data of the times, and he has a poor understanding of near death experiences. Today, spiritual experiences are well mapped in terms of the inner workings of the brain (see any of Andy Newberg's books (Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief, Why We Believe What We Believe: Uncovering Our Biological Need for Meaning, Spirituality, and Truth, How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist, How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist]. See Ramachandran's writings as well, but even here, Newberg's research is far more definitive. A lot has changed in the last 5 years in science. Newberg, for example, can argue that we have a God neuron, and Gene Hamer has decent evidence that we may even have a gene that biases us toward spiritual awareness. Great stuff there!
Worth the reading effort!July 28, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am happy to recommend a really fascinating book by Dr. Melvin Morse called Where God Lives, which is about the "hidden pattern" that connects reality, quantum information and our brains (and the right temporal lobe in particular), examining a wide variety of out of body, transcendental, spiritual and thus "paranormal" experiences that we try to make sense of in various ways. Though this book is from 2000, it is still very timely and well written, linking lots of interesting ideas and having plenty of research behind it. It is, I think, quite related to the material about right brain phenomena described by the brain surgeon who gave the TED talk about her own stroke, but this comes at it from a very different angle.
As a philosopher and academic myself, I have worked with a number of the ideas he talks about, notably holographic descriptions and the nature of information, and I think he makes a lot of sense. The book essentially reconciles science and spirituality in a very unique way and with a significant level of detail to support both positions. However, if you are a total skeptic about any form of spirituality, I don't think this book will make you change your mind - but it may raise some good questions just the same.
There are a few great summaries of big research projects tucked in here and there, such as the top 10 things that people do to make life changes after a transformative experience. That's a pretty useful bit of info! There is lengthy discussion from a scientific perspective about reincarnation, and a summary of the reports people have made about ghost (or angel) sightings - again, very scientific in its approach and brought in in order to make a larger point that is really quite interesting.
I was pretty much unable to put it down until I read the whole thing. The closing chapters point the way to developing and accessing these right brain phenomena on your own - without having to use drugs, electrical stimulation, a near death experience or otherwise going off the deep end. But I do wish there had been more than just hints, but rather actual pragmatic exercises to guide you in applying these insights to your life - perhaps he is now ready to write such a book. I hope so!
The Brain's Circuit Board of MysticismMay 20, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In previous books, Dr. Melvin Morse has written that the right temporal lobe of the brain is highly active during a near-death experience, even when there is an EEG flatline. Having postulated that this area of the brain is "the seat of the soul," Morse now goes into his theory in-depth in a book that is both personal and scientific. The underlying thesis for the book is that one doesn't have to have an NDE to experience its life-transforming effects.
Morse describes changes in his own life as a result of interviewing thousands of NDE subjects. He details how he has lived a healthier life, with time for exercise, family, meditation, and just plain fun. He even chronicles a mystical experience he had--being surrounded by a loving light and feeling part of the entire universe--after making a simple prayer for guidance in his work.
Morse's contention is that the right temporal lobe is a spiritual interface, the place where the human brain connects directly to the infinite loving energy that permeates the universe, what most people call "God." This energy is a benign non-local intelligence that communicates to us (when we are open and receptive) through synchronicities, visions, dreams, out-of-body experiences, and maybe most importantly of all, plain intuition.
The author provides dozens of verified examples of healings and radically transformed lives. The strongest and most interesting part of the book is his discussion of how all human bodies are surrounded by electromagnetic, or morphic, fields, and that healing involves a re-balancing of the body's natural energies, which are also contained in each and every cell of the body. WHERE GOD LIVES also provides easy-to-follow lists of habits to bring about transformation and greater happiness in our lives, habits that fine-tune, as it were, the right temporal lobe--the circuit board of mysticism. Morse also notes that there are many paths to God but that we should be consistent within whatever belief system we choose.
Morse maintains his scientific posture--he is a pediatrician--but makes a convincing case that everyone can experience a deeper connection to God. Miracles, he says, are not magic, but a restoration of what is natural (an idea that is echoed in the writings of Thomas Aquinas). It is refreshing to have a man of science and medicine explain these concepts of metaphysics and quantum mechanics in a manner that keeps his experience in the hospital in the forefront, not adopting the personna of guru.
It is said that the kingdom of God is within. Morse may well have found the place where God lives in all of us, a place that transforms energy into the matter and experiences of our lives. It is a book as good as any other on manifesting miracles and health in our lives.
Highly inspirational and therefore highly recommended.
For scienceApril 2, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
An essential book for medical doctors, scientists and skeptics who has doubt about the paranormal world. The author provides scientific evidence and evaluates them as to relate the science and spirituality together. It centered on near death experience and brain functions, especially how the brains are linked to the universe.
Where God LivesFebruary 8, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I really found Melvin Morse's book extremely interesting, insightful and an example of thinking outside the box. It makes sense and is the building blocks for understanding our spirit dimension versus the physical body. Of course having an out of body experience without the light does confirm to me the idea that we can separate from the body but now it is becoming more understandable. Think there is so much more and look forward to more of his research. Liz Johnson
