Our Plastic Brain

Winter 2024 Sermon Series

We sometimes forget how malleable our brains are and how susceptible we are to outside influences. Our subconscious thoughts and beliefs, if left unexamined in the light of faith, can sabotage our desires for a vibrant spiritual life. However, it is also possible for us to take advantage of this “plastic” quality of our minds to enhance our understanding and transform our lives for the better. That is why the Scriptures are so full of encouragement and frequent exhortations to be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23), to resist conformity to the thought patterns of this world (Romans 12:1) and not to let our minds be “set” on the flesh (Romans 8:6-7). The key to a Christian mindset is to allow our minds to be molded into the image of Christ (Philippians 2), to set our minds on the Spirit, and to love God with all our mind (Mark 12:30). In this series we will use the insights of cognitive science about the brain’s plasticity--guided by the Holy Spirit--to develop a mindset marked by humility and service in the way of Christ. This is what it means to have the mind of Christ, to set our minds on the instruction, insight, and understanding of Holy Scripture and Divine Wisdom.

DALL-E surreal collage