"A continuing revelation of the divine"

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The human brain- weighing about 3 lbs- is capable of knowing that it is a piece of the universe. It is capable of knowing of its own existence, capable of perceiving impressions of the other bits of universe around it, and capable of thrumming with internal feelings of awe, fear, joy, hatred, perplexity, and wonder…Minds are inimitable, mysterious, and precious beyond measure. The very least of us, no matter what our failings or faults…is more remarkable than any orb in the sky. -Eagleman, 2016

The world today cries out to discover truth. Discover. Few of us wants to be told what to believe; instead, we want a journey through which we can find out, for ourselves, what is true. We seek the good, the true, and the beautiful through visual arts, science, mathematics, nature, architecture, music, dance, social relationships, travel, and much more. As explorers and seekers of truth, we are, fortunately, in good company. In the Gospel of Matthew, for example, we read about the Maji, or Wise Men, “from the East” (Matthew 2:1), saw a “star at its rising,” and followed the star to baby Jesus. These Maji learned where and how to find Jesus by studying the stars—the universe. And why? How could the study of the stars possibly have led them to the child Jesus? In the Book of Psalms, we read that “truth reaches to the skies” (Psalm 57). Truth, in other words, is expressed in creation. “Nature is a constant source of wonder and awe. It is also a continuing revelation of the divine” (Catholic Bishops Conference of Japan, 2000). As such, we can be certain that the study of the sky, in its vastness and beauty, will lead us to discover Truth, just like the Wise Men were led to Jesus by following the star in the night sky.

It’s fortunate, at least in my opinion, that today’s world seems to have evolved this scientific approach to faith. Not only is this approach in line with the Maji who found Jesus through the study of the stars, but I believe it’s also in line with God’s plan for us. If He created us with the capacity to question, discern, and seek; doesn’t it make sense that He wants us to utilize these abilities in search of Him? Let’s briefly consider Jesus and His closest friends. After having been put to death, Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:12). His friends, as you can imagine, were “startled and terrified” (Luke 24:37)—they were, basically, in disbelief that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. And how does Jesus respond to them? Jesus offers them an opportunity to “touch me and see” (Luke 24:39). Rather than insisting that they blindly believe, Jesus offers them physical, tangible evidence that He has risen. And don’t we want the same—to touch, see, and then, to believe? I know I do; and the Lord wants to offer us evidence today, as He did over 2000 years ago. He invites us to ask questions, even in disbelief, and then to come, see, touch, and taste of this Goodness.

The question arises for us, though, what can we touch? What can we see? Although it’s been more than three days since the Resurrection from the dead, Jesus, or the Divine Word—Logos--is still living amongst us today. We can “see” and “touch” Him by exploring creation—which “shows forth the inexhaustible riches of God” (Francis, 2015). Thus, we can seek Truth through the study of creation. Describing mystic Ali al-Kwawas’ writings, Pope Francis explains, “there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s face” (Francis, 2015). While I love to contemplate the mysteries of God in leaves and dewdrops, as well as in mathematical theories, artwork, and music, in this blog, I’ll focus on exploring faith through the study of the human brain, which is, as neuroscientist David Eagleman writes, “inimitable, mysterious, and precious beyond measure.”

In this blog, we will look closely at the human brain and discuss what contributes to human flourishing- and then, we’ll line up these scientific findings with teachings from the Catholic Church. We’ll look for overlap—for areas in which scientific truths support Catholic theology; and we’ll take such overlap as evidence of truth. Truth, we presume, is not only evident in ancient Catholic traditions and woven throughout Church history, but also exists in and through the physiology of the human person—who is, in mine and Eagleman’s opinion, “more remarkable than any orb in the sky” (2016).

If you agree, or if you find the human person as remarkable as I do, then come. Question; seek, journey, discover, and explore with me. Let’s uncover the unfathomable mysteries of the human brain in our search for the good, the true, and the beautiful.

References

Eagleman, D., & Downer, J. (2016). Brain and Behavior: A cognitive neuroscience perspective. Oxford University Press.

Francis, P. (2015). LAUDATO SI’: ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME. Encyclical. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

Japan, C. bishops’ conference of. (2000). Reverence for Life. A Message for the Twenty-First Century.