The part of creation that observes itself, takes notes, and seeks
verification is also capable of standing in awe before the evidence. As
observation methods improve, the data piles up. Microprocessors permit
a single glance at forty years of meteorological data. Ninety percent
of what we know about the brain has been discovered in the last seven
years. Instead of God representing the shrinking gaps of the unknown,
the God of the known has become more amazing than was ever imagined.
Whether on the macro level (astronomy, meteorology), or on the micro
level (biology, chemistry), the facts fill our spiritual eyes with awe
and bring us to worship. Neuroscience and psychopharmacology testify
that we are wonderfully made.
Any look at the evidence should be done with recognition that the whole
is far greater than the sum of the parts. Intelligent design is not
just for galaxies and DNA molecules, but for the whole experience of
Being. Finding physiological correlates of emotional suffering doesn’t
change its personal spiritual significance.
The
evidence suggests that the Father’s loving intent was to create a
personal pharmacy within each of his children to supply mental edge
chemistry, processing a million messages a second for abundant living.
Our very own personal pharmacies can produce fifty neurotransmitters
for clear thought, stable emotion, and appropriate action. When these
are underproduced or reabsorbed too fast, the result is a deficiency
that distorts processing, which becomes an obstacle to personal harmony
and a balanced life in the Body of Christ. It is both an effect and a
cause.
Four of these neurotransmitters are especially critical for harmony:
dopamine (voltage), serotonin (serenity), acetylcholine (creativity),
and GABA (keeps fear in check). If one of these is deficient, other
neurotransmitters become dysregulated and the whole system is stressed
much like one flat tire vibrates the whole car.
Consider the interaction of a serotonin deficiency and depression. One
accelerates the other in a downward spiral into feelings of
hopelessness, helplessness, and haplessness. This unholy trinity of
negative future, present, and past, will in six months reset some brain
chemical thresholds as the brain adapts to a new homeostasis.
Sin also resculpts the brain. Appestats are changed by obesity, sexual
preferences are rewritten by fantasies, cardiovascular setpoints shift
with chronic hostility, and pharmacokinetics are altered by addictions.
With addictions, expect the pharmacy to go on strike. It is economy,
efficiency, and laziness all rolled into one when the pharmacy does
it’s math: "Why should we work so hard to produce fifty
neurotransmitters, if by waiting we will get the cheap and easy stuff
for free?"
The cheap stuff are TIQs, morphine-like chemicals made from alcohol.
When the brain makes TIQs, it stops making endorphins (feel good
chemicals), resulting in flat or depressed feelings in an alcohol
dependent person. He/she drinks again to feel normal. TIQs are highly
addictive. They are cached in the brain and never go away. When
activated, they trigger an executive search program for what it
believes is morphine. The only hope is to keep TIQs dormant
(abstinence). Naltrexone can help ease the cravings.
This chain of events in alcoholism leading to a pharmacy on strike is
well documented. Its not only the sins of the fathers (family tree may
reveal a genetic predisposition for 50% to 60% of the cases), but
excessive drinking can rewire the brain for the 40 to 50% of alcohol
dependent persons from non-alcoholic families. Once a pattern is
established, part of the alcohol metabolized in the liver will turn
into TIQs. The Enemy now has a foothold as the dismantling of life and
love begins.
There is no healing that can come close to the Master’s Touch. It’s His
sovereign prerogative to suspend natural law or heal within its limits.
Either way it is common sense to support wellness as best we can.
Working the Twelve Steps, eating nutritional precursors for
neurotransmitters, taking multivitamins, doing cardio for 150 minutes
per week, listening prayer, cognitive behavioral therapy, and practicing spiritual discipline are pieces of the restorative puzzle.
Just as The Father may use a skilled surgeon for the heart, He may use
a skilled pharmacologist to end the strike by the internal pharmacy.
True, pharmacia began with spooks, but today’s science is a long ways
from the Witch of Endor.
With healing, new neural branches will flash through darkened inner
space to create new ways of thinking and feeling. Action or positive
practice reinforces these pathways. Just as negativity can depress the
immune system, gratitude boosts it. Healing energy is sent along
billions of connections as the brain processes new electrical cues.
Being disease free will never again be enough. Only being weller than
well is safe. That is a state of harmony, a state of Grace.
Dr. Ken Mueller has been a psychologist practicing in Anchorage, Alaska
for 28 years. He recently taught at Beijing University with Brad Jersak.