Neuroplasticity and the Renewed Mind
Article by Lauri McNair, MS
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
--Romans 12:2
The Word of God clearly commands that we are to be transformed. How? By the renewing of our minds. If this is a command or a mandate, and it is, then it must be possible for the human mind to be renewed. Otherwise, God would not have given this clear directive. Science is beginning to catch up with the Holy Bible! Now, through modern technology and advances in neuroscience, it has been proven that it is possible to change/renew the mind!
Neuroplasticity, the scientific term for the biblical "renewed mind", is the brain's ability to restructure itself after training and practice, thereby creating new neuropathways in the human brain. Hence, one of the most popular areas of psychology today. Neuroplasticity is what makes personal growth, change ("transformation" as indicated in Romans 12:2), and development possible. It is a scientifically proven fact. It is no longer considered a myth, theory, or conjecture. By scanning the human brain using fMRI (functional MRI), science is able to view changes in the human brain and see how it is restructuring. New neuropathways are being set in real and tangible ways.
For decades, scientists though the adult human brain was static and unchanging. It was presumed that the brain developed in the formative childhood years and then became hardened like concrete. Hence, monikers like "stuck in your ways" or "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". This simply is untrue. In actuality, science suggests that change in the human brain occurs relatively quickly...in as little as seven days!
How does this new advance in science relate to the eternal, immutable, infallible truths of the Bible? As we practice pursuing the presence of God, studying His word, and praying on a continuum, we build new neuropathways. As the saying in neuroscience goes, "neurons that fire together, wire together." The more we practice something, the more we strengthen the pathways and the easier the skill becomes.
As we pursue the presence of God and commit to building a relationship with Him, we will begin to experience astounding peace, joy, love, and acceptance. We are now building new neuropathways. Old neuropathways that we are no longer using become "a road less traveled" in our minds. Issues and wounds of rejection, hurt, anger, depression, bitterness, resentment, habits, and addictions will be dismantled and unable to govern a renewed mind that has been utterly and radically transformed. We no longer have an excuse. We can no longer say, "I'll never change" or "I'll always be this way". A gracious, loving Father, who gently guides us by His Spirit (John 16:13) assures us that change is, and has always been, possible.
For further Biblical study on Renewing the mind and neuroplasticity, see:
* 2 Corinthians 4:16
* Ephesians 4:23
* Colossians 3:10
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
--Romans 12:2
The Word of God clearly commands that we are to be transformed. How? By the renewing of our minds. If this is a command or a mandate, and it is, then it must be possible for the human mind to be renewed. Otherwise, God would not have given this clear directive. Science is beginning to catch up with the Holy Bible! Now, through modern technology and advances in neuroscience, it has been proven that it is possible to change/renew the mind!
Neuroplasticity, the scientific term for the biblical "renewed mind", is the brain's ability to restructure itself after training and practice, thereby creating new neuropathways in the human brain. Hence, one of the most popular areas of psychology today. Neuroplasticity is what makes personal growth, change ("transformation" as indicated in Romans 12:2), and development possible. It is a scientifically proven fact. It is no longer considered a myth, theory, or conjecture. By scanning the human brain using fMRI (functional MRI), science is able to view changes in the human brain and see how it is restructuring. New neuropathways are being set in real and tangible ways.
For decades, scientists though the adult human brain was static and unchanging. It was presumed that the brain developed in the formative childhood years and then became hardened like concrete. Hence, monikers like "stuck in your ways" or "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". This simply is untrue. In actuality, science suggests that change in the human brain occurs relatively quickly...in as little as seven days!
How does this new advance in science relate to the eternal, immutable, infallible truths of the Bible? As we practice pursuing the presence of God, studying His word, and praying on a continuum, we build new neuropathways. As the saying in neuroscience goes, "neurons that fire together, wire together." The more we practice something, the more we strengthen the pathways and the easier the skill becomes.
As we pursue the presence of God and commit to building a relationship with Him, we will begin to experience astounding peace, joy, love, and acceptance. We are now building new neuropathways. Old neuropathways that we are no longer using become "a road less traveled" in our minds. Issues and wounds of rejection, hurt, anger, depression, bitterness, resentment, habits, and addictions will be dismantled and unable to govern a renewed mind that has been utterly and radically transformed. We no longer have an excuse. We can no longer say, "I'll never change" or "I'll always be this way". A gracious, loving Father, who gently guides us by His Spirit (John 16:13) assures us that change is, and has always been, possible.
For further Biblical study on Renewing the mind and neuroplasticity, see:
* 2 Corinthians 4:16
* Ephesians 4:23
* Colossians 3:10