Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

By Moises Alaniz, Health & Wellness Coach

As complex as the brain is, brain plasticity is the most unique structure in the central nervous system that God has meticulously embedded in each person.  It is significant on how learning occurs because of the ability to adapt and change (George et al., 2023).  This undeniable evidence aligns with the free will that God has given to mankind, so that a loving and personal relationship may be formed between an individual and Him. 

With the brain’s capabilities to rewire its responses to experiences, brain plasticity allows the individual to form critical thinking skills that impact moral decisions and spiritual awareness.  Furthermore, through brain plasticity, the brain continuously adapts and changes in response to experiences and environmental influences.  Forming a relationship with God requires, not only a spiritual commitment, but also a transformation of the mind, which is a process through the brain’s plasticity.  As an individual learns God’s will through scripture, prayer, and community, the brain actively rewires itself, allowing old habits and patterns or sin to be replaced with renewed thoughts and behaviors aligned with the character of Christ (Romans 12:2).

As the Apostle Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5, the battle against sinful thoughts is not merely psychological or behavioral, but profoundly spiritual.  He describes how the followers of Christ are equipped with divine power to destroy strongholds that oppose the righteous path of God’s will.  This spiritual process, described by Apostle Paul, corresponds with structure of brain plasticity.

Moreover, the behaviorist perspective, as summarized by Moes and Tellinghuisen (2014), suggests that human motivation – along with learned connections – exists to help us survive and adapt within an ever-changing environment.  From a biblical worldview, this adaptive compass is a reflection of being “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).  As neuroscience continues to advance with modern technology, particularly in brain plasticity, studies will continuously and progressively affirm that the human brain is designed to change and grow throughout its life, forming new neural pathways in response to experience and learning.  This adaptability not only supports survival but also reflects the free will blessed by God, enabling individuals to intentionally choose a loving relationship with Him and align our life in accordance with His will.

In conclusion, the gift of free will and a highly complex design of brain plasticity work together to unveil the uniqueness of God’s relation with humans and himself.  Unlike any part of God’s creation, humans possess a nervous system capable of learning, transforming, and aligning with moral higher values.  The brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to experiences, thoughts, and beliefs supports the biblical affirmation that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

References

George, S., Kelley, B., & Piferi, R. (2023). Introduction to psychology from a Christian worldview (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt.

Moes, P., & Tellinghuisen, D. J. (2014). Exploring psychology and Christian Faith: An    introductory guide. Baker Publishing Group.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Bible. (2016). Crossway Bibles. (Original work published 2001)