The Bible, Neuroscience and Aspergers

[Clintpauljohnson]

I was wondering if anyone believes the brains ability to adapt and rewire. Can the Bible's word change the human brain and ultimately alter neural pathways, chemicals and connections.

 

[TNF_13]

I know of no situations in which that has happened. I am, however, aware of a man who had some kind of magnetic therapy done on his brain that achieved much the same, ruining his marriage in the process. His op-ed made it appear not at all worth pursuing. John Elder Robinson, if memory serves.

 

[Sarah G]

I'm not sure if you only want A&A people to respond, if so ignore me.

Neuro-plasticity is a thing. Medical Definition of Neuroplasticity

Most studies regarding spiritual life causing neuroplasticity focus on prolonged meditation. Some Christians use the Holy Scriptures as meditation.

Spiritual practices have shown definite neuroanatomical and neurochemical changes in the few studies that have been conducted so far to explore the neurobiology of such phenomenon. The evidence has been drawn mainly from studies that have examined meditation. However, they are replete with investigational constraints, methodological errors, small sample size and the results of many of the studies have not been replicated. There is need for further exploration of many of the prevalent spiritual/religious practices to clearly elucidate the neural correlates of the positive and negative effects they produce on physical and mental health.

Take Home Message
Meditative practices have a positive impact on mental health. The neurobiological correlates during meditation partly explain the beneficial role. Meditative practices may augment psychotherapeutic interventions.
Neurobiology of Spirituality

For a simpler take on things simply google 'neuroplasticity prayer meditation' there are many articles no doubt all based on the few same studies.
In other news, with God all things are possible!

 

[Clintpauljohnson]

Thank you chosen and blessed. I relate with Aspergers over my other diagnoses of schizo-affective bi polar and adhd. I feel in my heart of hearts that I can either change things in my brain or at least learn to accept my diagnoses and control any negative symptoms.

I hope to one day be healed of schizo-affective bi polar and then work at accepting my Aspergers and adhd as being the equivalent to being left handed in a right handed world.

 

[Clintpauljohnson]

It's like dna symbiotic reshuffling? Or micro evolution aka adaptation? It does exist and is real. We have everything in us to heal our own brains through our Lord and Savior. We just have to believe, and in some cases do, things to change the brain. We also have to be realistic. This is where I have trouble with correlation of what is and not possible.

 

[Sabertooth]

I am autistic and believe in prayer, healing and deliverance. I believe that auties can be delivered from the same kinds of spiritual junk as NTs. But at the end of the day, we will still be autistics, though squeaky clean autistics!

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

if you're willing to put in the work to change yourself you can absolutely do it. the LORD could indeed change someone in an instant, but usually He allows people to overcome certain things by working at it in order to build their character.

 

[BryanJohnMaloney]

I was wondering if anyone believes the brains ability to adapt and rewire. Can the Bible's word change the human brain and ultimately alter neural pathways, chemicals and connections.

Can it? It does so all the time. That being said, that is not the same as saying it "cures autism"--autism needs no "cure".