Have you ever been aware of, or influenced by, a presence or power, whether you call it God or not, which is different from your everyday self? Answers to this question have convinced a group of scientists in Oxford and Nottingham that most of us will at some time experience a ' presence or power ' beyond ourselves. Everyman reports on research which suggests that people who see visions, hear voices, or simply feel the presence of their God can no longer be considered part of a tiny minority of saints or psychotics. What are these experiences, and what effect do they have? Peter France meets the scientists, and some of those prepared to talk about these very private encounters.