[jQuery] It's all in the mind - the power of belief
Sources:
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2007/10286/10286.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6914492.stm
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/07/25/mobile_sufferers_unaffected_by_turning_kit_off/
There are people who believe that signals from mobile phone masts are
causing them ill health. Symptons include headaches, nausia, anxiety
and lethargy.
A double-blind study was undertaken to determine the validity of the
claim that radio emissions from mobile phone masts can cause illness.
Two groups of volenteers, some "mast sensitive" and a control group of
"mast insensitive" individuals were exposed to mobile phone masts
which were sometimes transmitting and sometimes turned off. Neither
the mast-sensitives, the controls or the scientists observing the
group knew when the mast was on and when it was off.
The results show that the mast-sensitives consistantly reported
significantly higher incidents of symptons than the control group when
the mast was transmitting. However, they also reported more symptons
than the control group when the mast was not transmitting and could
therefore have no effect on them.
While the symptons were quite real the mobile mast had to be ruled out
as a cause because the symptons were reported whether or not the mast
was active.
"Belief is a very powerful thing," said Professor Elaine Fox, of the
University of Essex, who led the three-year study.
"If you really believe something is going to do you some harm, it
will."
The Placebo effect is already well documented. This research
demonstrates teh reverse is also possible. If you believe something
is harmful you will feel ill effects regardless of how much physical
harm it is actually capable of causing.
What does this have to do with religion? The answer is nothing
directly, but it does demonstrate the power of belief. If you believe
that mobile masts will make you ill you will feel ill. If you believe
in God then God will have real spiritual impact in your life,
regardless of whether or not he really exists.