A new research conducted by Duke University says that having sex could inspire some sort of divinity within men. The research explains that sex could inspire a belief, or an increased belief, in God and religion.
Sex releases oxytocin, a chemical which occurs naturally within us and is stimulated during sex, childbirth, and breastfeeding. For a long time, the chemical has been known to promote social bonding and trust. Now, scientists at the North Carolina University in America say it could also incite spirituality in men too.
Research assistant, Professor Dr Patty Van Cappellen explains that: “Oxytocin appears to be part of the way our bodies support spiritual beliefs.”
To test the chemical reaction in men, participants were given the hormone, and others received a placebo. The men who got an oxytocin dose were more likely to say that spirituality was an important part of their lives.
Those who took part also said they'd be more likely to see themselves as "interconnection with other people and living things", the study reports. Oxytocin sparked more positive emotions, such as awe, gratitude, hope, inspiration, love, and serenity. But it didn't affect everyone equally; those with a certain gene called CD38 and which regulates its release in the brain, had a much more amplified response.
Oxytocin's effects on women's spirituality have not been studied yet.