Brain and the Bible. Part 1: Wonderfully Made

Psychologist Anna Ponnudurai reflects on how Scripture and neuroscience intersect.

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Registered psychologist Anna Ponnudurai says the Bible’s description of the human mind is both poetic and profoundly accurate.

Referring to Psalm 139:14, Anna explains that our brains are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

“It’s just a beautiful passage in the Bible about how our brains are so connected and created,” Anna said.

“It was designed by God and it’s the organ of thought, emotion and decision making. So it’s God’s incredible design for relationship and growth, really.”

Throughout Scripture, the importance of the mind is repeated. Anna points to Romans 12:2, which speaks about the renewing of the mind.

“The Bible consistently speaks about renewing the mind, and this aligns so beautifully with what neuroscience shows, that the brain can change through experience.”

This ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity. While it begins in childhood, it continues into adulthood. But Anna is clear – change takes time.

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“That takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort. It takes a lot of practice,” she said.

“What we really ruminate on, what we think about, really matters. We actually have a lot more power over our thoughts, over our behaviour than we realise.”

Anna believes that, with intentional effort, we can learn to shape our thinking.

“Yes, we do have the power to control our thoughts,” she said.

The Bible also urges believers to guard what enters their hearts and minds. Anna says this wisdom is highly relevant in today’s world.

“We’ve really got to guard what we let in and we can control what we let out.”

For those wanting a practical starting point, Anna offers a simple reflection exercise.

“Every time you think of something, every time you hear something, ask: Is that thought real? And what do I want to do with that?”

It’s a small but powerful question – one that reflects both biblical wisdom and modern neuroscience.

Listen to the full interview in the player above.