>But if Newberg and his colleagues are correct, such experiences are not proof of being touched by a supreme being, but mere blips in brain chemistry.<p>Is there any human experience, real or not, that can't be described as "mere blips in brain chemistry". Everything we experience is going to have a neural correlate. To a Buddhist this is an affirmation that what they experience is qualitatively unique as they claim. To an atheist this affirmation that it's all just chemistry. What both are doing is re-affirming their own preconceived notions and beliefs. That's not taking a more "critical eye of events".
So basically us non-religious folk should meditate and actively participate in community groups in order to be healthier and live a longer life. That's reasonable.