In the past 20 years or so, brain research has made remarkable strides and has debunked what was once accepted science. In a conference I just attended on healing the human soul, Jim Laffoon stated, “Until the end of the 20th century, neurologists believed no new neurons (specialized cells that communicate and store memories in the brain) were created after the first 3-5 years of life. With the discovery of neurogenesis, we know that humans retain the ability to create new neurons and neural patterns throughout their lives. Surprisingly, the only area in the brain that creates new neurons is the same area that controls and stores our memories. We also have discovered neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to change throughout life). This new neural growth is also stimulated through environmental neurogenesis; neuroplasticity has revolutionized modern psychology and psychiatry” (Healing the Human Soul, Jim Laffoon, p.6).
I’m still trying to get my head around all the scientific terminology but let me try to summarize what has just been said. First of all, lets agree with the Psalmist that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Science knows that we think but has yet to fully understand the processes. Let me share a quote from a blog called Quantum’s Blog regarding the mind. The writer says, “Our brain is made up of billions of nerve cells known as neurons. Neurons connect together through their branch-like tentacles called dendrites, (signal receivers) and axon terminals. (transmitters) These neurons transmit and receive electrically charged nerve signals to and from the brain at speeds of over 300 km ph! This is why our thoughts and body reflexes are lightning quick and so well coordinated.
When neurons come together to form thought patterns, they look like an intricate net called a neuronet. The ends of each tentacle of one dendrite and axon terminal connect to other tentacle endings of other dendrites and axon terminals, but do not really touch. The gap is called a synapse and this is where the thunderstorms of electrical signals occur. Electrical impulses are sent from one neuron to the next through the synapses of their dendrites and axon terminals.
Some studies say a neuron has as many as 1,000 to 10,000 synapses, (some argue much more) meaning it can communicate with as many as 10,000 other neurons, muscle cells, glands etc. We can see why the brain’s potential for biochemical pattern forming is massive. Considering the presence of billions of neurons with this degree of association connectivity, the brain has an infinite capacity for storing information, associating concepts and triggering instructions to the body because it can create endless new neuron pathways.”
As thoughts or experiences are repeated, neurons link together in identifiable chains called neural pathways. These become like ruts in a road so that the thoughts or perspectives wired into these pathways become our automatic or default settings for how we think, feel, or view life. In addition to thoughts, these neurons can release chemicals in our body. The strength of these neural pathways is reinforced by the brain’s reward circuits. One of the most important of these circuits is the mesolimbic dopamine system. When certain thoughts and behaviors are activated, these neurochemicals are released which rewards the individual with feelings of comfort and well-being.
When the individual is in distress or emotional pain, the brain will prompt the individual to repeat behaviors that release the chemicals that comfort the individual or, in the case of drug and alcohol abuse, introduce chemicals into the body that create positive feelings. This process is the basis of addictions and can be very powerful even when the behaviors have long term destructive consequences. That is why when we are stressed, lonely, depressed, etc. we are often drawn to food, sex, pornography, shopping, drugs, or alcohol to “medicate” our pain. We “remember” the activities that released the neurochemicals that made us feel better – at least for a while. These sin patterns can be very strong because they become our automatic or default thoughts and actions that carry short-term rewards and the release of powerful neurochemicals. In short, we can become addicted to sin.
Pornography is a powerful example of how this works. This summary was taken from an internet article produced by Covenant Eyes.
- “When having sex or watching porn, dopamineis released into a region of the brain responsible for emotion and learning, giving the viewer a sense of sharp focus and a sense of craving: “I have got to have this thing; this is what I need right now.” It supplies a great sense of pleasure. The next time the viewer gets the “itch” for more sexual pleasure, small packets of dopamine are released in the brain telling the user: “Remember where you got your fix last time. Go there to get it.”
- Norepinephrine is also released, creating alertness and focus. It is the brain’s version of adrenaline. It tells the brain, “Something is about to happen, and we need to get ready for it.”
- Sex or porn also trigger the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones help to lay down the long-term memories for the cells. They “bind” a person’s memories to the object that gave him or her the sexual pleasure.
- The body releases endorphins, natural opiates that create a “high,” a wave of pleasure over the whole body.
- After sexual release serotonin levels also change, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation.
This system works the way it is supposed to work when you’re having sex with your spouse and only your spouse. Together you can experience a high, an alertness of sexual pleasure, and the deep calm afterwards (norepinephrine, endorphins, and serotonin). With each sexual embrace you are emotionally bonding to this person (oxytocin and vasopressin). Over time a craving for sex is transformed into a desire for one another (dopamine).”
When used as God intended, this is a powerful tool for pleasure, intimacy, and even faithfulness. When misused, it becomes destructive. Paul put it this way in the book of Galatians – a man reaps what he sows. If he sows to the flesh, he reaps destruction. If he sows to the Spirit, he reaps life. When we pursue righteousness, God’s design works with us to reinforce righteousness. When we pursue sin or the flesh, those same processes can empower sin.
These chemical rewards can also be released as you encounter the presence of God in worship, prayer, meditation and so forth so that you emotionally bond with God, experience peace and comfort and long to be in his presence again. David wrote, ‘As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you.” David was a man who often needed comfort because of the immense stresses in his life. He often sought the presence of God for that comfort. The one time he sought that comfort from another source, Bathsheba, the consequences were disastrous.
As science begins to understand these processes, we can begin to understand the power of sin in a person’s life and why it takes the supernatural work of God in conjunction with our choices to set us free and bond us to God. In my next blog, I will talk about the processes that prune or diminish existing pathways and establish new ones. These processes are part of “renewing the mind” as Paul commanded in Romans 12. The good news is that by our own choices and the power of the Spirit we can hunger and thirst after righteousness even more than the chocolate cake you may have been imagining earlier.
