PEACE IN THE BRAIN

(An excerpt from “How God Changes Your Brain” by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, chapter 7, Pages 123-124)

The emotional circuits of our limbic brains have less plasticity than the frontal lobe. For example, we all get angry or frightened in the same way, but everyone experiences love in surprisingly different ways. Still, it’s not fair to call our reptilian brain primitive, for it too has co-developed with the frontal lobe and now has the ability to adapt and respond with an increased appropriateness to new situations and stress. Other primates do not exhibit this adaptive skill. Unexpected changes frustrate them and they often lash out because the limbic structures in the brain are less flexible, with far fewer connections with their frontal lobe.  (End of excerpt.)  

(An excerpt from “How God Changes Your Brain” by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, chapter 7, Pages 131-132)

As we have argued throughout this book, most Americans have greatly benefited from their personal relationship with religion, spirituality and God. But, when it comes to sharing our religious beliefs with others, certain problems may arise, especially if we want them to embrace our spiritual points of view. If we use our powers of persuasion to reach a general consensus of belief—which, from an evolutionary point of view, is essential for social cooperation—we are bound to create conflicts with those who hold different religious beliefs. 

The culprit is not religion per se, but what our brain is biologically inclined to do when we encounter people who embrace different visions of “truth.” One part wants to reject opposing ideas, while another part tries to understand, cooperate, and compromise. In essence, we all have two brains—one selfish and suspicious, another open-minded and kind. Since we live in a world filled with uncertainties, both brains are constantly on the alert. 

AN EXCERPT FROM "WAR IN A BOTTLE"

The physical genes carry signals, but these signals can remain unheeded, and many people do suppress them. Psychiatry helps by giving people an opportunity to vent those concealed and deeply seeded frustrations. In others, those frustrations erupt at night in dreams, sleepwalking, or shouting while in deep sleep. Those who are of an aggressive disposition are ready to have a brawl, which they enjoy even if they get hurt; some end up with broken noses and fractured jaws. This desire and propensity for squabbles and fights comes from the soul. But, can this boiling pot be changed? What really matters to you? What holds a value for you? What are you drawn to? What gives you joy in life? Sort your feelings out. Be attentive regarding the makeup of your soul. Once you know it, then you will also know whether you have the peacemaking material, as a son and daughter of the Most High, or not. 

Don’t hide in religion or in piety. God knows that you do have the power to do whatever you set your mind to. But, instead of your soul set your mind first, for when the mind becomes the real boss; then your soul has no other choice but to obey. Doing what the soul wishes is hardly ever beneficial, but with a renewed mind we can override those leading-to-nowhere unproductive sentiments. 

God did not say to Cain, “If you feel well your countenance will be lifted” but rather “If you do well” (Genesis 4:7). The doing comes from the mind and never from the soul, for if we did what the soul makes us feel, we would end up emotionally disturbed, “fruitcakes.”