The brain is the hardware of the soul. It is the vehicle that allows our soul, our very being, to function properly. Like the hardware of a computer, the brain must function at an optimal level in order for us to run the software programs of life (child rearing, education, going through adolescence, training for a career, marriage, navigating mid-life crises, for instance). When the brain is hurt or damaged (such as when a computer does not have enough RAM, speed, or storage space), we cannot run these software programs efficiently, and end up with a troubled life.As with computers, you need more than hardware. The hardware of a computer is powerless without an efficient operating system or proper software. So too in our lives, we need effective programming (good parenting, optimal nutrition, spiritual practice, positive relationships, opportunity, freedom from chronic stress, clear goals, positive thoughts, and an attitude of gratefulness) in order for the brain to work right. A dynamic feedback loop exists between the brain and the events of our lives. The brain impacts our behavior and how we behave impacts actual brain function.
The latest brain imaging research has shown that thoughts, feelings, and social interactions all impact brain function, in potentially positive and negative ways. How we live our life matters. In addition, the condition of our soul and the spiritual connections we make has a strong impact on the physiology of the brain. It is a reciprocal relationship. I have seen that sin (doing things that you know are wrong) disrupts healthy brain function and leads to anxiety, fear, and depression, while living with integrity and having a positive relationship with God and others actually improves brain function. A number of research studies have demonstrated that people of faith suffer less from anxiety disorders and depression and they recover 70% faster from these illnesses than those without a strong religious faith. The suicide rate and even mortality rate is lower for religious people than the non-religious. The brain needs a healthy soul, and the soul needs a brain that works right.
In this article, I will show how the brain is involved in everything we do and how it must be considered in our day-today lives. The brain needs to be thought about when we try to explain the concepts of:
good (it is likely that Mother Theresa had optimal brain function),
evil (it is also likely that Hitler and other brutal dictators had faulty brain wiring, despite being able to rise to power),
sin (in the New Testament the Greek word for sin is " hermatia " or quite simply " missing the mark," which is quite easy to do with poor brain function),
love (couples who thrive likely have more optimal brain patterns than those who struggle),
hate (in my experience many racists have abnormal brain patterns),
drug abuse (you can actually see toxic effects of these substances on the brain),
child abuse (often at the hands of people with brain problems), and...
school or work achievement and underachievement (people with full access to good brain function are much more likely to perform well in school, while people who struggle often have sluggish or hyperactive brain function).
No comments:
Post a Comment