Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

St Paul and temporal lobe epilepsy.

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry

|June 1, 1987

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The study suggests Paul's ecstatic visions and physical state during his conversion may have stemmed from a neurological condition. Specifically, temporal lobe epilepsy is proposed as a potential cause for these experiences.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Ascariasis causing acute intestinal obstruction.

British medical journal·2010

Same author

Ascariasis Causing Acute Intestinal Obstruction.

British medical journal·2010

Same author

Observations on plague meningitis.

British medical journal·2010

Same author

Multiple sclerosis in Asia.

Neurology·1977

Same author

Radiculomyelitis following acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis.

Brain : a journal of neurology·1976

Same author

Multiple sclerosis amongst Chinese in Taiwan.

Journal of the neurological sciences·1976

Same journal

Global epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026

Same journal

Diagnostic accuracy of a two-cut-off approach using the FAQ/MMSE ratio and FAQ for clinical preselection of patients for anti-amyloid therapy.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026

Same journal

Cancer risk and mortality in patients with multiple sclerosis in Finland: a retrospective population-based cohort study.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026

Same journal

Visuospatial working memory in Huntington's disease: behavioural and structural brain correlates.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026

Same journal

Characteristics and outcomes in electric scooter-related traumatic brain injuries in Helsinki.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026

Same journal

Chronological ageing and ovarian reserve in MS: insights from anti-Müllerian hormone and disability progression.

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2026

See all related articles

Area of Science:

Neurology
Religious Studies
History

Background:

The Apostle Paul's transformative religious experiences, including ecstatic visions and a dramatic conversion, have been subjects of historical and theological debate.
Previous interpretations have largely focused on spiritual or psychological factors, with limited consideration of potential neurological underpinnings.

Discussion:

This analysis explores the hypothesis that Paul's reported ecstatic experiences and physical condition during his conversion event may be attributable to neurological phenomena.
The specific characteristics of Paul's experiences are examined in relation to known symptoms associated with neurological disorders.

Key Insights:

Evidence suggests a neurological origin for Paul's ecstatic visions and physical state during conversion.

Related Experiment Videos

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is postulated as a potential underlying condition manifesting these experiences.

This perspective offers a novel neurobiological framework for understanding a pivotal moment in early Christian history.

Outlook:

Further research could investigate the correlation between historical accounts of religious ecstasy and modern neurological diagnoses.
Exploring neuroscientific perspectives may enrich our understanding of religious experiences across different cultures and historical periods.
This interdisciplinary approach highlights the potential for integrating scientific inquiry with the study of religious phenomena.