This Is Your Brain on Spirituality

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18) 

Remember the old commercial, “This is your brain on drugs?” The commercial used the phrase while an egg gets cracked open and dropped in a hot skillet. The egg sizzles, bringing the metaphor of a burned-out brain on drugs to life. Just like drugs can adversely affect the brain, so too can spirituality improve brain function.

In his article “My Brain on Spirituality,” Thomas Oppong addresses the benefits of a spiritual life and its impact on the brain. According to Oppong’s studies, “It [spirituality] has built a strong foundation for grit, resilience, optimism, awe, wonder, purpose, and connection to a bigger reason for life.” I am regularly amazed at people’s shallow pursuits that help them avoid the more profound questions of what Oppong calls the “bigger reason for life.” We can only ignore life’s transcendent questions until the challenges of suffering, death, and other life-changing events force us. The longer we put it off, the more painful the shock of harrowing life transitions.

A nurturing spirituality provides an avenue to Oppong’s description of a “strong foundation.” Oppong describes a “neuroprotective mechanism against cognitive decline.” Spirituality fires different parts of the brain, keeping them active and healthy. Lisa Miller, a professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University, confirms, “Our deep spirituality is our greatest resource for renewal, for healing.” Spirituality positively affects the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which impacts one’s focus and emotional regulation. It is not surprising, then, that spirituality affects the way we respond to the world and its challenges.

Our spiritual lives provide physical and emotional growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to our souls more maturely. Additionally, spiritual nurture even cultivates and heals the human brain. Taking time each day for spiritual activity and reflection enhances your relationship with God and strengthens your brain. What else could you do that has the same long-term benefits? Once again, the ancient Biblical figures are correct in proclaiming the healing power of faith. Your brain on spirituality is less likely to burn out and has earthly and heavenly consequences.