From Keith Baker, University of Abertay, Dundee, UK
Are people who get a regular dose of endorphins and other “feel-good” stimuli (dopamine, adrenaline, and so on) through activities such as taking recreational drugs, spending time in wilderness regions and taking part in extreme sports, less likely to have orthodox religious beliefs (14 June, p 38)? Might the increasing popularity of such activities be aiding the spread of secularist ideologies as people realise that there are other (easier and more enjoyable) ways of experiencing the same feeling of oneness with the universe?
As a research student looking for my next source of funding I would happily take up an offer of cash to test this hypothesis.
