Faith Delights in Understanding

     In the last ten years, neuroscience has made fantastic discoveries concerning the brain and how it functions. For example, the prefrontal cortex (a region associated with planning and executing complex behaviors) and the limbic system (a structure that plays a critical role in emotional responses) send information to a central location known as the striatum. There, a subset of highly specialized nerve cells integrate information from both structures, associating rewarded behavior with particular cues (“That aroma means food!).

     While much of the information above is derived through PET scans and controlled testing, a critical component involved in the interpretation process is one’s worldview. The Atheist, the Pantheist and the Theist develop perspectives based upon each worldview’s presuppositions. The crucial aspect, therefore, is whether our worldview’s interpretation is firmly seated in the correspondence theory of Truth. In other words, are we saying of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not.

      It is impossible to empirically verify 100%, and to everyone’s complete satisfaction, that a certain state of affairs obtains absolute truth. Objective reality is subjectively experienced. Hence, each person’s worldview produces variations on any theme.

     Okay, let me water this down some. Science has given to us an incredible understanding of the world we live in, as neuroscience does the brains we are given. But when science seeks to cut God out, as the Atheist does, we suffer. When science attempts to equate the physical realities we study with God, as the Pantheist does, we lose more than we gain. Theism is the only worldview that states God is both transcendent (outside) and immanent (inside). Christianity is the only theistic view that states God became a man, taking on humanity’s sinful nature, and rescued us once for all.

     Faith, hope and love are not mere neuronal impulses or chemical reactions in the brain. Nor are they simply colorful brush strokes in the painting of life. They are attributes of personhood alone, which God is. Our connection with God is flavored by faith, hope and love. Our experience of God is personal.

     Neuroscience, seen from a Christian viewpoint, becomes a rich source of insight and learning. Yet, it does not extinguish faith. Rather, like spices used to make a healthy meal interestingly delightful, neuroscience adds enjoyment to our appreciation of God’s marvelous creation.