How Neuroscience Informs the Renewal of Our Minds in Romans 12:12
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:12
“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind”...this phrase is frequently tossed around in biblical counselling and is often used as a retort to secular therapies. But, what does it mean biblically and is there overlap between the biblical counselling view and neuroscience?
Brain plasticity is a concept first discovered by William James in 1890, explaining how the brain can change and be “plastic”, rather than static. James’ work was built on by neuroscientist Jerzy Koronski in 1948, coining the term “neuroplasticity.” Konorski established that the brain was able to change, based on experiences and was not, in his words, a “static organ.” Rather than our brain structures and thoughts being incapable of change, neuroplasticity accepts that our brains are capable of and do change, meaning, therefore, our thought patterns are capable of change, as well.
In Christianity, this isn’t a new concept. In fact, this concept goes back to the 1st century in 56 AD, when Paul likely wrote the letter to the Romans. In Romans 12:2, Paul is quoted saying, “be transformed by the renewal of your mind”, in a verse that is rooted in the ‘neuroplasticity’ we receive through Christ. Paul, himself, is a case study in Christian neuroplasticity. Originally named Saul a “circumcised Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, zealous Pharisee, blameless under the Law” (Philippians 3:6), Paul’s transformation from Saul to Paul after he becomes a believer involves his entire thoughts changing-from a persecutor of those who followed Jesus, to a believer in Christ, who was now called to serve those he once stoned (Acts 8:1-24).
Paul expands on this concept further in Philippians 4:6-9, after sharing the antidote to anxiety in Phil. 4:6-7, he gives the practical side to applying neuroplasticity in our own minds.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
When we actively change our thinking to focus on things that are true, honourable, just, lovely, commendable and anything worthy of excellence and praise, we don’t just rewire our brains and thereby decrease our anxieties and fears, but we also become more like Christ.
The concept of the “old is gone and new has come” roots our identity in Christ and reflects the way our brains biologically change. Neuroplasticity was created by God to allow our brains the freedom and flexibility to change, and ultimately become more glorifying to Him. God did not choose to leave us in our sufferings and allow us to be stuck in stagnancy, but instead He pre-ordained our brains to be able to change and grow; not just by the work of the Holy Spirit or miraculously, but in our own choices to choose “whatever is noble and whatever is lovely.” Neuroplasticity is the blessing God gives us to live out the sanctified life. We are transformed by the renewal of our minds and as we use neuroplasticity for our sanctification and benefit, we become more like Christ to be able to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:12)
