Neuroscience and the Bible? Can they get along?
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the brain and nervous system in order to understand how the brain and the neurons in the brain work, and the biological background of decision-making, behavior, consciousness, and other cognitive functions. It is a multidisciplinary study involving fields like psychology, neurobiology, anatomy and computer science.
In modern times, technology has helped specialists to literally see how the brain works, which areas are working, and individual neurons at work under certain stimuli. The understanding of this gives us better insight regarding not only the reality inside our brain but also the tools we need in order to change and empower our lives.
Although technology has helped us to appreciate these wonderful characteristics of the human brain, our Designer knew about this far before we ever did, and through His “love letter” to humanity — the Bible, of course! — He let us know how to create lasting change that doesn’t simply have an impact in our souls but truly can transform our minds, and literally, our brain. Yes, His Word proves He cares for us not exclusively at a spiritual level but also at a biological, neurological level. He walks with us in our human experience.
Neuroscience doesn’t change the meaning of the Bible but allows us to see that the realities the Bible deals with have also a deep biological base. After all, we have been created with what some neuroscientists call “the God neuron.” This means that literally, scientifically, we have a neuron inside us that sparks belief in God or some kind of religious belief. This neuron is found in atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, and even Christians — and it initiates the creation of neurological connections and pathways that ultimately become our entire religious conviction and direct our religious experience. In Romans 1:20, Paul the apostle states: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…”
BRAIN OR MIND?
I believe the mind is the guiding force of our life by which we exercise our free will and decision. Our brain is the biological house of our mind. I believe we are not victims of our biology, but whatever we put in our mind will be reproduced by our brain time after time. Both Scripture and the science of neuroplasticity demonstrate this. This truth brings great hope!
The Lord gave us tools to renew and change our minds. Of course sometimes He chooses to do a miracle and we are free immediately, but most of the time He teaches us to fight and tear down strongholds, in order to learn to be more compassionate and carry His light to others.
Keep in mind that changes are not immediate — they take time and you need to be committed to do the work. Every change, big or small, is a transformation. Every transformation is to be celebrated. No wonder Paul wrote “Do not be conformed…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
In the following posts I will share insights and tools to renew and change our minds from a spiritual and biblical perspective, and I truly hope this work helps you to connect more with the Lord and to improve your emotional and mental health. We are living in tumultuous times, and now more than ever, we need “the peace that passes all understanding” (Philipians 4:7) while we wait for our blessed hope: the return of our King and Saviour.
Ricardo Pinedo