Neuro-Psycho-Theology

In the final episode of Neuro-Psycho-Theology, Paul and Ken discuss the significance of the ascension of Jesus for followers of Christ today. Just as children are able to move from an in-person only awareness of their parents to the ability to believe that their parents are still present even when they can't be seen, so the church was able to continue to relate to Christ even without physical presence. Jesus' ascension paved the way for all humanity to be able to relate to him directly rather than just those who experienced him in the physical realm. When we believe that this is possible, Christ moves from an external concept to an internal, psychological reality. 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most world changing event of all history, but it will make very little difference to your life if this reality doesn't make its way into your brain. Ken and Paul discuss how belief in the resurrection of Christ through your brain's incredible ability to be transformed (neuroplasticity!) gives you the ability to cope with any crisis and release you from the constraints holding you back from having the mind of Christ. 

Ken and Paul discuss the significance of the death of Christ and how it opened up the path of relationship with God. Rather than looking at his death as a satisfaction for God's wrath, they look at how the death communicates a deep an abiding desire of God to have a relationship with us by removing any barrier that is keeping us from trusting in God's love for us. 

Christians look to Jesus Christ as their savior, but how many Christians look to him as the model for the way they live their life? According to Barna Research only 18% of American Christians have committed their lives to spiritual development. Ken and Paul discuss the science of personal transformation that happens in a secure relationship with God with Christ as our model. 

Can you imagine what we could learn if scientists could examine the DNA of Jesus Christ? Ken and Paul explore how Jesus' genetic and emotional life were shaped in the womb of Mary and even before his conception, which in theological terms we call the incarnation. Perhaps, the bigger question is what does this have to do with our own ability to form a secure attachment with God in order to see ourselves as sons and daughters of God? 

Paul and Ken discuss how sin and shame disrupt our relationship with God and others, including the relationship between different parts of the brain. The relationship rupture we call sin is made worse by shame because it keeps us from the relational healing needed to repair the rupture.

In their second conversation, Paul and Ken discuss how we can know God through God's revelatory acts and how God interacts with us out of love, especially in times of trauma and stress. 

In this introductory episode, Ken and Paul discuss the nature of God as Trinity through the lenses of neuroscience and psychology. Because God is fundamentally relational so are all humans who are made in God's image.