For the record:  I was being sarcastic earlier when I said that Brown's "supernatural experiences" could have been drug induced.   That is certainly a possible explanation -- but given that Brown was a drug addict and thief it is just as likely as any other.   Many of these emotion filled experiences are from the group hysteria that gets folks excited and "in the moment."  The phenomena is not unique to Christianity, or even to religions.   The Salem Witch hunt, the Jonestown Massacre (a religious cult where mass suicide was commited) and Hitler's ability to stir up a crowd are examples of the same thing.   The heart pumps, the adrenalin flows -- it is almost a sexual experience in its rapture.   

Mark may well be right that Brown felt an overpowering pull to Christianity.  The good news is that it probably saved his physical life from drugs and theft.  The bad news is he may well be destroying his immortal soul and that of others he lures away from G-d.   Even if he had that emotional draw (and only he knows that) is immaterial -- he has certainly been educated to his errors and yet he continues on his way.    It may be the notoriety he has achieved (akin to worship itself), or the money, the fame or possibly he is still deluding himself.    

Lastly, it is possible to have holy inspiration.  Holy inspiration, connecting to G-d, is alive and well and anyone who seeks G-d will find Him.  It is just as true that (as D'varim / Deuteronomy 4 warned) false gods can stir this as well and lead people astray.  It happened with Ba'al, with Moloch, with the pagan gods, and with Jesus.  As R' Tovia Singer wrote about some Hare Krishnas he met years ago:
"their newfound religion had transformed their lives.  They joyfully spoke of their joining this eastern sect and I could sense the elation and inner peace they felt.  They were certain that what they believed was true and it was quite apparent that they were more spiritual now than they had ever been in their former lives. . .

"Although each of these extraordinary stories may appear to the novice as evidence of the validity of their newly acquired faith, the fact remains that these variant religions cannot all be valid.  When it comes to spiritual experiences and miraculous occurrences, things get very messy.  The realm of faith would be very tidy if only one religion produced life-altering transformations and miraculous occurrences.  To the dismay of the fervid believer, however, this may be the most disorganized arena of organized religion.  In fact. . .life-changing experience. . . is a universal phenomenon produced by virtually all faiths, and people from just about every religion can claim “almost unbelievable change in the character and personality” of the people whom they touch, regardless of the truth of the doctrines they preach.  In essence, there is no relationship between spiritual transformation which occurs in the heart of the faithful believer and the spiritual truth which he espouses.

"Why would God allow all religions, regardless of the theological untruths they espouse, to ignite a spiritual passion within the heart of the believer?  The Bible contains a record of many individuals and nations who possessed fervent devotion to their idolatry.  Nonetheless, their spiritual adultery is condemned as an utter abomination, regardless of the spirituality and transformation they derived.  Why would the Almighty permit religions whose fundamental teachings have no basis in truth to produce life-transforming experiences and miraculous occurrences in the lives of their devout followers?

"The answer is found in the beginning of Deuteronomy where the Torah addresses this dilemma in an even more startling scenario.  In Deuteronomy 13:1-2 the Bible raises the question of what to do when a “prophet” offers to show a miracle in order to lend credibility to his message.  How are we to respond if, in fact, the promised miracle comes to pass just as he predicted?  Should we then follow this “prophet” even if he encourages us to worship other gods which are unknown to our people?  “You must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer,” the Torah emphatically declares.  G-d did not send him."

סופי

And everything that Sarah tells you, listen to her voice. Bereshit (Genesis) 21:12
Last Edited By: Sophiee1 Fri, 23-Aug-13 06:04:12. Edited 1 times.