This is a rather uncharted and controversial subject so feel free to offer lots of insights that aren't documented by "reputable scientist #45."

There are many people who grow up being sane and sensible. They live free of mental illness. They begin studying religion, meditation, self cultivation, the occult, various subjects otherwise, and become highly intelligent. They develop a form of what most would describe as schizophrenia in which they perceive religious and spiritual happenings. Ironically if you encourage them to try other religions out they often will still experience religion and spirituality except they will experience different kinds.

It leads a lot of people to wonder what is spirituality in reference to the mind? Is it brought on illness by misdirected knowledge? Or is it just a natural part of human development when they investigate things that are greater than themselves to develop a "spiritual" aspects of themselves.

My personal thought is that spirituality is a natural development however needs to be dealt with carefully as it is neurochemical in nature. It is possible to get too much of a good thing. I consider myself an Atheist as I have experienced many religious perspectives and learned that these are just passing perspectives of the mind. I continue to experience spirituality regardless of belief. I've learned to use it for a soothing effect rather than to get upset about it normally.