Neurologists specialize in studies of the brain and nervous system. Over the years, these doctors have been on the forefront of medical breakthroughs that have helped millions of people around the world. They’ve made some fascinating discoveries about our beliefs, our actions, and how we live our lives.
Like this one.
When neurologists led a study on what makes religious people tick, they found an interesting link between a person’s experiences, their mind, and their faith. Scientists scanned the brains of religious people as they talked about the times they’d sensed God’s presence most intimately, be it in worship, prayer, service, etc. While exposing the same group of people to stimuli such as stained glass, incense, and other religious imagery, researchers discovered that the caudate nucleus, an area of the brain, reacted significantly when the people felt close to God.
The neurologists were intrigued by the findings, so they tested a different set of people. Laying aside religious subject matters, researchers showed the second group of people images of “cool” consumer products connected to iconic brands in our culture.
Again, the caudate nucleus hummed with activity!
The neuroscientists discovered that people who bought certain items experienced the same sensations as people who had deeply religious experiences.
This certainly helps us understand the idolatry of stuff that persists in our culture and thinking. Now it’s easy to see why the Apostle Paul was so diligent in taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Resource’s Origin:
The Good and Beautiful Life by James Bryan Smith. Intervarsity, 2010, Pages 163-164.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Addiction
Faith
Greed
Idolatry
Mind
Money
Possessions
Religion
Research
Science
Worship
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)