Humans are specially created in God’s image to have a relationship
with Him. This is highly demonstrated by the intricacy of our brains nervous
systems. One aspect I find intriguing is spiritual neuroscience, which helps
people understand the connection between religion and the brain. Also, this
implies that our belief in God is influenced by the functions of our brains
(George et al., 2023). The limbic system, which is found deeper in the brain,
is significant since it is greatly associated with emotions.
The complexity of our brains is beyond the scope of human
understanding. This, in turn, suggests intelligent, supernatural design.
Synapses, neurotransmitters, and numerous brain networks are the
mechanisms that make spiritual experience, thought, and emotion possible.
The brain’s capability of moral reasoning and self-reflection also indicate a
role superior to biological evolution. Spirituality and our physical brains are
interconnected; there is evidence that religion is not just neurologically
based. The intricacy of our brains and being the creatures made in God’s
image indicates that God purposefully structured our brains to allow us to
communicate with Him.
Another topic I found appealing was the concept of free will. This
contrasts with evolution, claiming that humans are merely evolved animals
and therefore do not possess free will (George et al., 2023). Evidently, this
uniquely sets us apart from animals and is an imprint of God’s image on
humans. Free will is the ability to choose how we think, act, and what to
believe. These functions originate in the frontal lobe, which provide us with
perception, foreknowledge, and voluntary motion abilities. This is a defining
characteristic of being created in God’s image. Additionally, we have the
choice to believe and accept God’s word or refute it (Martz, 2022). The
brainstem provides vital functions, including breathing regulation,
swallowing, alertness, cardiovascular control, and involuntary motion.
Therefore, I believe the brainstem is crucial for life sustenance and having a
relationship with God.
An additional related aspect is serotonin, a hormone involved in neural
transmissions mainly in sections associated with emotions (George et al.,
2023). Serotonin serves as a cognitive agent concerning memory and
learning. Without this, it seems that no one could understand and remember
the Bible or comprehend God’s power, love, grace, mercy, and other
attributes. Serotonin also seems essential for genuinely trusting Jesus Crist
as our Lord and Savior.
Chapter 2 supports the Biblical view that we are fearfully and
wonderfully made. It explains how each neurological process displays God’s
awesome and intelligent design. Genesis 1;26-28 states, “God said, ‘Let us
make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over
the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over
all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ So
God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them. God blessed them, and God said unto
them, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and
have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over
every living thing that moveth upon the earth,’” (King James Version,
1611/2018, Genesis 1:26-28). Lastly, Psalm 139:13-14 mentions “For thou
hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.-I will
praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy
works; and that my soul knoweth right well,” (King James Version,
1611/2018, Psalm 139:13-14).
In the end, God created humans to have a relationship with Him. There
is strong evidence for this in the field of neuroscience and in the various roles
of the neurological system. Different parts of our brains, especially those
linked with emotion, judgment, and decision making, affect our belief in God.
Understanding these processes is beneficial in developing a deeper
appreciation for this amazingly complex system. It is wonderful knowing that
a loving and omnipotent God desires to have a relationship with us.
References:
George, S., Kelley, B., & Piferi, R. (2023). Introduction to psychology from a
Christian
worldview. (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.
Martz, J. (2022, October 27). What is free will, and why do we have it?
https://www.sunvalleycc.com/read/articles/what-is-free-will-and-why-
do-we-have-it
King James Version Bible. (n.d.). King James Bible.
OFFICIAL KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE: AUTHORIZED KING JAMES
VERSION (KJV) (Original work published 1611).
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