Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
How TV and an Angry, Wrathful God Damage Your Brain

How TV and an Angry, Wrathful God Damage Your Brain

In order to understand the damaging effects that theatrical TV and wrathful depictions of God have on the brain we must first understand some basic brain circuitry.

Imagine someone cuts you off while driving on the interstate. If you get that initial fright followed by an irritable aggressive response, wanting to shout something ugly, that reaction is coming out of your primitive brain called your limbic system. If you respond by thinking, “No, I’m a Christian. I will forgive him” and then restrain the impulse to shout, such restraint is originating in your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain right behind your forehead).

It is in the prefrontal cortex that we reason, plan, organize, focus, concentrate, and self-restrain. It is also in the prefrontal cortex that we have our conscience, experience conviction of wrong, redirect inappropriate behavior and worship. A special part of the frontal cortex, called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is our neurological “heart.” It is here we experience love, compassion, empathy, sympathy, altruism and the ACC is also the seat of the will, the place we choose right from wrong. The proverb, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” is referring to the ACC. Proverbs 23:7.

Conversely, it is in the limbic system that we experience fear, aggression, anger, irritability, insecurity, lust, envy, jealousy, arrogance and selfishness. The drive to survive, the me-first instinct of survival-of-the-fittest originates in this part of the brain. One part of the limbic system is the amygdala, which is the “alarm” or fear center of the brain. When the amygdala fires we experience fear, anxiety, panic, the classic adrenalin rush, as well as worry, insecurity, and dread.

Love is the medium of life, whereas fear is the medium of death. In a state of healthy altruistic love we think clearly and grow physically, mentally, relationally and spiritually. But when the amygdala (fear circuit) fires it causes stress hormones to surge (adrenalin and others). This causes blood to shunt from our stomach and intestines into our muscles so we can “fight or flight.” But if the blood is not in our internal organs, then we cannot absorb nutrients as well. This means physical growth is impaired. A recent study documented that children growing up in Iraqi war zones were measurably shorter than Iraqi children growing up in rural safe zones. Fear impairs physical growth!

Maybe you have known someone with test anxiety or someone who froze when trying to make an announcement. What happened? Their fear circuits fired and paralyzed their prefrontal cortex. This demonstrates how fear impairs intellectual and cognitive growth!

When something really frightens you, like smelling smoke as someone yells fire, where does your focus turn? Do you become more concerned with others or more concerned with saving self? The more fearful we become the more self-focused we become.  Fear impairs relational growth!

And because our spiritual development occurs via our prefrontal cortex, when we experience activation of our fear circuits and/or other limbic circuits, such as lust, envy, jealousy, anger, aggression, our prefrontal cortex is impaired. We become less capable of comprehending God and His methods. Thus fear impairs spiritual growth!

Fear impairs our physical, intellectual, relational and spiritual growth as our limbic circuits fire, impairing the firing of our prefrontal cortex and ACC. Conversely, it is the job of the prefrontal cortex to process limbic system stimuli and calm and turn off the alarm. If you hear a loud bang and in response startle, the brain’s alarm (amygdala) just fired. Adrenalin surges, heart rate increases, but then prefrontal cortex evaluates what happened and when you conclude a car backfired your alarm immediately turns off and you begin to relax. The prefrontal cortex is wired to be able to turn off the alarm.

So then, how does TV and wrathful God concepts affect this neural circuitry? The brain is in a constant state of flux. Neural circuits which are utilized are strengthened and expanded, whereas neural circuits which are not utilized are slowly pruned and deleted.

Theatrical entertainment (TV and movies) activate the limbic system while diminishing prefrontal cortex activity. Theatrical entertainment stimulates an emotional reaction. It stimulates you to laugh, cry, be afraid, irritable, angry, frustrated, aroused or some other emotional response while simultaneously suspending your critical reasoning. And the stronger the emotional reaction the “better” the programming. The brain and body cannot tell the difference between firing the fear circuits in a real life stressful situation or when the fear circuits fire from a stress inducing TV program. The biological consequences to brain and body are the same.

This means the more time spent watching theatrical entertainment the more activation of the limbic system and less development of the prefrontal cortex. Over time the limbic circuitry grows stronger while the prefrontal cortex is less developed and therefore less capable of calming the limbic system. Not only that, theatrical entertainment introduces false ideas which inappropriately activate, rather than calm the fear circuits of the brain. This means the more theatrical entertainment one watches the less capacity to reason clearly, discern appropriately, self-restrain, with subsequent greater impulsivity, moodiness and irrational thinking.

Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated that theatrical entertainment results in increased violence, sexual promiscuity, alcohol use and various mental illness such as ADHD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Eating Disorders and is implicated in mood and anxiety disorders. Why? A combined effect of introducing unhealthy beliefs while simultaneously damaging prefrontal cortex and over developing limbic system with subsequent unregulated fear circuits.

An imbalanced brain, with a prefrontal cortex less capable of calming the alarm (amygdala) results in damage to the body and physical health. The constant firing of the amygdala results in activation of the immune system, release of damaging inflammatory factors with damage to insulin receptors, synaptic signaling and subsequent increases in diabetes mellitus, obesity, high cholesterol, heart attacks, strokes, bone loss and inflammatory disorders. Fear is truly the medium of death!

Amazingly, recent brain research reveals that worshiping an angry and wrathful God has the same effect on brain circuitry as theatrical television watching. The only God concept that didn’t have this negative effect was a God of love! Worshipping a God of love results in calming of the fear circuits and healing of brain and body!

Research at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Newberg and colleagues demonstrated that subjects 60-65 years of age who meditated on a God of love, just 12 minutes a day for 30 days, experienced measurable growth in the ACC of their brains as measured with MRI scans. This was directly correlated with reductions in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormone levels and a 30% increase in memory testing. This demonstrates the calming of the amygdala and limbic system circuitry as a consequence of meditating on a God of love. Science confirms what the Bible has told us, “perfect love casts out all fear” 1John 4:18.

But, just as strikingly, Dr. Newberg and colleagues documented that any other god concept, an angry, wrathful, distant, or punishing god did not result in growth in the ACC, and did not result in lowered blood pressure, heart rate, or improved memory. In other words, angry or wrathful god concepts do not heal the brain, improve love or enhance prefrontal cortex function. Instead such concepts activate the fear circuits of the brain and contribute to impairments in healthy growth, thinking, reasoning and judgment. One might even say that wrathful god concepts damage the brain!

This should not surprise Bible students as Romans chapter one tells us that when we exchange the truth of God for a lie the mind becomes futile, darkened and depraved. And now brain science confirms this to be true!

Just consider the evidence from history. How have those who’ve held to an angry/wrathful God concept treated others? Intolerance, coercion, execution, abuse, misrepresentation… Yes, wrong God concepts do alter the brain and impair judgment, reason and the ability to love others!

We are in a war and we battle against “everything that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to Jesus Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5. It is time we demolish Satan’s strongholds, his false representations of God and begin presenting the truth about God’s character of love.

It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth…The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is the revelation of His character of love.  — Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 415

Why is the final message of mercy the truth about God’s character of love? Because this is the only message which casts out fear, heals the brain, restores us to unity with our Heavenly Father and prepares us to meet Him when He comes. I invite you to examine the evidence for yourself, stand up, awaken our church, reject the distorted pictures of God and begin worshipping the only true God – the God Jesus revealed, the God of love!

This article is available as a full-color PDF for printing and sharing.


REFERENCES:

Iraqi war stunts children’s growth, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100329082121.htm

Newberg, A. How God Changes Our Brain. Ballantine Books, New York. 2009: p.49.

Todd A. Hare, Colin F. Camerer,Antonio Rangel. Self-Control in Decision-Making Involves Modulation of the vmPFC Valuation System. Science 1 May 2009: Vol. 324. no. 5927, pp. 646 – 648.

Heerkeren, Hauke R. et al., An fMRI study of simple ethical decision-making. Neuroreport. 2003 July;14(9):1215-19.

Samuel M. McClure, David I. Laibson, George Loewenstein, Jonathan D. Cohen. Separate Neural Systems Value Immediate and Delayed Monetary Rewards. Science 15 October 2004: Vol. 306. no. 5695, pp. 503 – 507.

Jorge Moll, Paul J. Eslinger, Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza. Frontopolar and Anterior Temporal Cortex Activation in a Moral Judgment Task: Preliminary functional MRI results in normal subjects. Arq. Neuro-Psiquiatr.  vol.59 no.3B São Paulo Sept. 2001.

Jorge Moll, Ricardo de Oliveira-Souza, Paul J. Eslinger, Ivanei E. Bramati, Janaína Mourão-Miranda, Pedro Angelo Andreiuolo, and Luiz Pessoa. The Neural Correlates of Moral Sensitivity: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation of Basic and Moral Emotions. The Journal of Neuroscience, April 1, 2002, 22(7):2730-2736.

Neurology 2007 May 1;68(18):1509-14

Neurobiology of Aging 2007 Oct;28(10):1623-27

Cerebral Cortex, 2005 Nov;15(11):1714-22

Journal of Neurobiology, 2004 Aug;60(2):236-48 & 2001 Nov 15;49(3):245-53

Cerebral Cortex 2005 Nov;15(11):1714-22

Archives of Internal Medicine 2001 Aug 13-17;161(15):1881-5).

Biol Psychiatry. 2000;48(8):791-800

Am J Psychiatry. 2003;160(8):1516-1518

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1998;55(7):580-592).

Neuropsychopharmacology. 1999;21(2 suppl):46S-51S

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1997;54(7):597-606

Neurosci Res. 2002;43(3):193-199

Acta Neurol Scand. 2004;110(5):275-280

Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications; 2000:187)

Centerwall, B. JAMA, Television and Violence: The Scale of the Problem and Where to Go From Here Vol. 267, Issue 22, 3059-3063, June 10, 1992

Pediatrics 5 Nov 2007; 120(5):986-992

The Journal of Neuroscience,  June 1, 2005, 25(22):5455-5463; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5123-04.2005

Cerebral Cortex 2007 17(5):1139-1146; doi:10.1093/cercor/bhl023

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2000) 20, 1619–1631

Neuroimage, Vol. 20, No. 3. (November 2003), pp. 1817-1829

Science, Vol. 296, May 31, 2002; p 1623

Biological Psychiatry 15 Nov 2007;62(10):1191-94

European Journal of Neuroscience 2007 Oct;26(8):2315-26

American Journal of Psychiatry 2007 Oct;164(10):1476-88

Physiology & Behavior 28 Jan 2008;93(1-2):222-28

Neuroscience 2007 Aug;121(4)643-52)

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA