In this video from Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Ben Carson and neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren discuss the intersection of neuroplasticity and spiritual practice. They explore how modern brain science validates the biblical concept of “renewing the mind.”
Rewiring the Brain (0:00 – 1:26): Contrary to the older belief that the adult brain is “fixed,” Dr. Warren explains that our brains are capable of structural change throughout life. He notes that we can actively shape our brain’s neurochemical environment by intentionally changing our thoughts—a process he aligns with the biblical practice of “taking thoughts captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Spiritual Healing and Research (1:42 – 3:16): The discussion references research by Dr. Andrew Newberg, which used functional MRI and spectroscopic imaging to study the effects of prayer and meditation on the brain.
Their research shows that regular spiritual practice can physically alter the brain, specifically citing that the hippocampus—the area responsible for emotional regulation, resilience, and peace—showed significant growth (22%) after six weeks of consistent practice.
This suggests that engaging in spiritual habits does not necessarily eliminate life’s hardships, but it does equip the brain to handle stress and trauma more efficiently.