Radio Host and apologist Greg Koukl addressed the
relationship between the mind and the brain on the Stand to Reason
blog. Modern neuroscience is typically
characterized by materialist, physicalist assumptions about the relationship
between the brain and the mind such that mind is entirely dependent on the
brain. A variant of this position was
proposed by Dr Warren Brown of Fuller Seminary at last year’s Christianity and
Psychology: 5 views conference.
Koukl, a philosopher by training, defends a dualist position in this
article. He writes, “If the mind is
reduced to the brain, pretty soon everything is lost. Feelings become chemical
reactions, beautiful objects become light waves, beautiful music is reduced to
vibrating molecules. Where did the music go? Where did the beauty go? Where did
the feeling go? It's all gone.”
Regardless of one’s viewpoint on this issue, seeking to understand the
scientific and metaphysical implications of each viewpoint is important.
Theologian C
Michael Patton wrote about a time of despair he experienced last year. He described 4 states of emotional wellness,
and his journey through them. Patton
characteristically writes knowledgably, and from his heart. We can often learn from the experiences of
others going through trying times and Patton’s insights prove beneficial.
Bob
Kellemen shared ten trends in Biblical Counseling that he has observed in
recent years, which he believes represents a changing tide. Kellemen describes increasing collegiality amongst
Biblical counselors, who are increasingly seeking to learn from one another in
much the same way that SCP seeks to do. He
points to an increasing focus, or perhaps refocus, upon compassionate, gospel
centered care.
