Neurotheology

Acetylcholine is another common neurotransmitter in the brain that allows for adequate nerve cell communication and is therefore involved in much higher-order cognitive processing and memory.

Beta-endorphin depresses respiration,37 reduces fear,38 reduces pain,39 and produces sensations of joy and euphoria

A related neurotransmitter that is also very critical to normal brain function is dopamine, which is heavily involved in motor function, mood, attention, and higher cognitive processing. Dopamine is part of the reward pathway in the brain, and increased dopamine, whether naturally or through the use of drugs such as cocaine, can create strong positive emotions or even euphoria

The neurohormone melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which has been shown to depress the central nervous system and reduce pain sensitivity

Moderately increased levels of serotonin appear to correlate with a positive mood, whereas low serotonin levels often signify depression

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood and also visual processing

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter and generally turns neurons “on.”

This has led some to suggest that the thalamus may be the seat of consciousness, or at least plays a central role.25 Thus, it is not surprising that neuroimaging studies have found changes in the thalamus related to religious and spiritual practices and beliefs.26 Finally, there is an important area between the limbic system and the cortex in each hemisphere called the insula which has recently been found to be very important in emotional processing.

Because of its key role in so many processes, the thalamus may be one of the most important structures in helping us to form our sense of reality.