Synapses & Souls: Growing Faith through Applying Brain Science

Team Members/Contributors

Amy R. Schacht Laurel Presbyterian Church Contact Me

About this pastoral study project

When we feel threatened, our brains instantaneously react with a fight or flight response, which can last for as little as 90 seconds. Yet in that time, neurochemicals can override our ability to think rationally about our potentially harmful actions. Did you know that praying daily for loving kindness lessens that fight-or-flight reactivity, priming us instead for compassion? Now imagine how these and other scientifically-established facts could transform your life, your relationships, your faith. Intentionally engaging this deceptively unremarkable three pound gift from God in the service of reducing our own and others’ suffering takes us on a path of metanoia, spiritual transformation. Our synapses shape our souls; our souls shape the wiring of our synapses.

Yet for most people, faith and brain science compete for truth, robbing us of the potential knowledge and practice that can deepen our spiritual life. Using Jesus’ model of engagement through storytelling, I propose a memoir, applying current brain science to my own spiritual journey. To engage readers about how the intersection of personal faith and brain development can nurture their lives, each chapter will include reflections and exercises designed to help them integrate faith disciplines and brain discoveries in their own spiritual journey.