Religion

The Brain Talks to Religion

Eavesdropping on Faith

Posted December 25, 2014

Religion to the Human Brain:

Religion to the Human Brain:

Brain, I think it’s time for a talk.

You're the great accomplishment of creation. And now, you've really arrived.

Here’s what’s been handed down to you.

First God created the Heavens and the Earth. Then He (or She) created Man (and Woman), but the first thing that was asked of Man was to name the animals. That’s shorthand for the development of a sophisticated brain, equipped with language; and language means intelligence.

I value your curiosty and industriousness; even the smart phone.

Let's talk a bit and I’ll pass your thoughts onto the Creator if you’d like. You’ve earned some attention.

The Human Brain to Religion:

I have been waiting for this talk.

Look, I respect you, Religion, but not so much recently. As I see what you’re doing in this world, with corrupt priests, impaired rabbis, insular communities and the concept of Jihad as world war, I think you’re a good idea that’s gone bad.

And where’s the love?

What I see are lots of groups that think they have you on their side. I see judgmental and tribal rivalries. I see superiority among co-religionists and second-class citizen status for those outside the clan. And, we are not even talking about such things as children who die randomly from war, famine, disease…or abuse.

Is this really the world our Creator wanted for us?

Religion to the Human Brain:

Slow down, you are talking like a teenager.

You have come a long way from naming animals. I’m impressed with modern medicine, interstate highways, the internet and such, but you have no idea how complex the world is.

Sit back and think a bit.

God gave you real autonomy; Jihadists, clergy sex scandals and exploiting televangelists, are people with brains, just like you. You judge the maker by the creation, yes…but not when that creation has the free will to choose right and wrong - and chooses wrong.

And, who gave you the concept of right and wrong in the first place?

The Human Brain to Religion:

The universe is sixteen billion years old, and yet the Bible tells us Creation happened less than 6,000 years ago. Nobody believes your stories anymore. Well, almost nobody.

Fairytales are okay, as long as they stay fairytales. But, what happens when a bunch of men (yes, it’s usually men) decide that these stories justify telling people how to live their lives? You end up with weakened spirits who depend on their priest, rabbi or imam for guidance. And, who benefits? There’s a reason why the Roman Catholic Church is one of the richest institutions in the world.

It’s too obvious: it’s Economics 101.

Yet, when my heart speaks up a bit, I soften. There’s comfort here and I’m not sure why. I doubt God exists. It’s too far-fetched. Yet, in some vague way, he’s part of my family, almost a part of my DNA.

Religion to the Human Brain:

You don’t read an ancient text like pulp fiction. It’s not some blog you pick up on Psychology Today! The Bible, like most sacred texts require reading and rereading hundreds if not thousands of times. It’s all under the surface. Man has free will, including the ability to reinterpret sacred writings to fit the God given discoveries that he has achieved.

It took six days to create the world, but what was a DAY to God? If you apply Einstein’s own theories to the issue of mass, light and time, by God’s perspective, how do you know one day of His wasn’t sixteen billion to you? You are really off the point. But, keep talking. I am really happy that you care.

The Human Brain to Religion:

Well, I must admit that I am enjoying this conversation. I thought you might crush me with a curse or something for talking back. Let’s pick this up again at some point.

For now, I will believe that the world is fairly random, and yet has incredible beauty, including the natural laws of physics and the human experience of love. If there is a God like being, I prefer to believe in a force or something embedded in the world. It feels womb like, but not too judgmental.

Religion Essential Reads