St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy

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Parodite
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St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy

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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 1987;50:659-664

Occasional historical review

St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy
D LANDSBOROUGH
Formerly of Chang-hua Christian Hospital, Taiwan

SUMMARY Evidence is offered to suggest a neurological origin for Paul's ecstatic visions. Paul's
physical state at the time of his conversion is discussed and related to these ecstatic experiences. It
is postulated that both were manifestations of temporal lobe epilepsy.

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Ibrahim
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Re: St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy

Post by Ibrahim »

An alright theory as far as that goes, but how does something like this ever get anywhere beyond the "yeah, maybe" point? There is no way to substantiate the claims except via a second-hand review of purported symptoms.



Also, we are assuming St. Paul existed.
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Enki
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Re: St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy

Post by Enki »

Maybe when God talks to you it causes a seizure because it's so intense. ;)
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Parodite
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Re: St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy

Post by Parodite »

Ibrahim wrote:An alright theory as far as that goes, but how does something like this ever get anywhere beyond the "yeah, maybe" point? There is no way to substantiate the claims except via a second-hand review of purported symptoms.
True. But even as a "maybe" it is a welcome extra fruit in the bowl. Only assumed and unexplained miracles wear off.
Also, we are assuming St. Paul existed.
No big deal.
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Azrael
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Re: St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy

Post by Azrael »

Enki wrote:Maybe when God talks to you it causes a seizure because it's so intense. ;)
:lol: You should have a column in First Things.

I've read speculation that Saint Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc and even the Prophet Muhammad had epilepsy.
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