There is no scientific evidence to support that we are a brain in a vat. This is a construct
that has never been determined by the study of biology, physiology, embryology or any of the legitimate physical sciences.

The burden of proof is on the person stating that consciousness exists outside of the physical brain. The illusion of consciousness outside of the brain can never be reasonably established since it is unmeasurable. Activity in the brain, however, is measurable and different states of consciousness can be manipulated by electrodes to the brain including a sense of god and religion. The idea of an external "consciousness" is pure nonsense. The illusion of an external consciousness is something that can be manipulated by stimulating areas of the brain.

The idea of an external "higher consciousness" is even more ridiculous. It assumes the existence of a "higher power" that guides the human thinking process. This is true sophistry. If there can exist a "higher consciousness" that is absolute, it can be argued
also that there is a "lower consciousness" that negates any "higher consciousness". It's the old argument that because one conceives of a god, it must exist. The classic refutation is that if one doesn't, then it doesn't exist.