I’ve heard a lot recently about neuroplasticity, a term that refers to the fact that the physical structure of our brains can be changed through our behaviour, thoughts, environment and education. Someone who has looked closely at neuroplasticity is Dr. Timothy Jennings.
Timothy R. Jennings, M.D. is a Christian psychiatrist, master psychopharmacologist, author, international speaker, radio personality, Secretary of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and has a private practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Jennings obtained his M.D. degree in 1990 from the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee and completed psychiatric residency at D.D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. He is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee, Georgia and Washington. Dr. Jennings was named one of America’s Top Psychiatrists by the Consumer Research Institute of America in 2008, 2010 & 2011. Many of Dr. Jennings lectures and written material can be found at his website Come and Reason
Dr. Jennings has recently released a book titled The God Shaped Brain – How Changing Your View of God Transforms Your Life. The book says that it’s not just a belief in God that brings positive change but a belief in a loving God who wants the very best for us.
Dr. Jennings is currently touring Australia and I spoke to him today about the book and the evidence that backs it up. You can hear our discussion by clicking play on the audio player at the bottom of this post. I have a copy of the book which I’ve only skimmed so far. After today’s chat I’m looking forward to diving in and reading more.
In this book Dr. Tim Jennings introduces you to the Integrative, Evidence-Based approach of understanding scripture. This method harmonizes scripture, science, and experience. He presents the Great Controversy over God’s character and contrasts the two views of His Law, documenting the impact each view has upon neuro-development, mental health, and physical and relationship health. He presents a complete atonement model explaining why Christ had to die and answers questions, contrasting the various views about our origins, judgment, punishment, and God’s wrath, identifying which one can heal any kind of person.
The last chapter entitled, “Buddha, Jesus and The Brain,” explores the difference in how Buddha and Jesus dealt with their confrontation with death and the significant impact on brain function and structure that eastern meditation has compared to Biblical meditation.
This book makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for a God of love and His methods of love. It is easy to understand and brings to a practical level why it is so important to live in harmony with God and his design for life.
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This looks fascinating, Rod. Must chase up.