As knowledge in the field of neurobiology advances, the human mind can be increasingly described by science and decreasingly explained by faith.
Psychiatrist Curt Thompson shattered this notion during a recent at 91短视频. 鈥淣ew, emerging data that we see in this world of interpersonal neurobiology鈥� points us to this world of goodness and beauty,鈥� said Thompson, the founder of , an LLC that produces educational materials that relate interpersonal neurobiology with Christian faith.
Rather than encroach upon religion, science embellishes it, said Thompson, citing Romans 1:20, a verse that claims God can be understood through creation. Still, one must start with a Biblical narrative, not a scientific one, he added.
The scientific field of interpersonal neurobiology studies how the human nervous system responds physically and chemically to human relationship. Thompson uses the findings from research in this area to reinforce his understanding of the Biblical narrative. He pointed out, for example, that 鈥渢he brain does something very different when it seeks to know something than when it has the experience of being known.鈥� In the same way, knowledge of God is entirely distinct from being known by God. He cited 1 Corinthians 8:3: 鈥淗e who loves God is known by God.鈥�
Thompson, who practices in Falls Church, Virginia, referenced his 2010 book Anatomy of the Soul (Tyndale) frequently during his Feb. 13 lecture.
When the human mind does not experience being known, it becomes isolated and ashamed, he said. In response, these factors contribute to a disintegration of the mind that reduces creativity and hinders growth. Thompson said that connection to a community is vital to fighting the hindrance from shame.
Thompson offered challenging questions during his lecture: What am I called to do?; If we鈥檙e going to work with the mind, what is it that we鈥檙e working with?; How well are you paying attention to what you鈥檙e paying attention to?; and Could you give me the names of three people who鈥� could tell me everything there is to know about you?
Panelists , a professor in 91短视频鈥檚 , and , director of , offered formal responses. Early emphasized the mind-body connection Thompson hinted at. Science increasingly informs the field of philosophy that the mind and body are not as distinct as they seem, he said. Byler asked how reintegration can proceed if injury happens to an entire community rather than to an individual, to which Thompson responded that community members can be reintegrated by sharing stories.
Five lectures remain in the Suter Science Seminar Series. The next lecture, which is free and open to the public, features Gregory Koop, professor of psychology. He will speak about memory research Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. in SSC room 104.