Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing
Ebook
With advances in neuroscience, many Christians are confused about what the soul is and its role in human flourishing. This confusion is rapidly increasing through the writings of "neurotheologians" such as Curt Thompson and Jim Wilder, who imply our brains are ultimately the cause of our thoughts, beliefs, desires, choices, and very identity. This book identifies and corrects the wrong assumptions of neurotheologians, outlines a biblically and philosophically sound understanding of our soul and its relation to the body, and illustrates how this understanding is the right path toward more fully loving God and loving others.
“Stan Wallace has written an important—indeed, critical—book that clears away serious misunderstandings as well as misrepresentations regarding spiritual formation and neuroscience. Wallace uses his impressive philosophical skills and insights to cut through the fog and expose neurotheology’s faulty conclusions. However, he also offers a constructive, biblical alternative to point us in the proper direction.”
—Paul Copan, chair of philosophy and ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University
“I heartily recommend Stan Wallace’s timely book—a fraternal but forceful critique of ‘neurotheology,’ the attempt by some evangelical Christians to redefine the human soul, mind, and spirit entirely as generated and animated by the brain. Wallace clearly explains why this implicitly materialistic perspective conflicts with Scripture, Christian doctrine, sound philosophy, proper science, and healthy spirituality. Instead, he encourages appropriation of sound neuroscience within the historic Christian perspective that affirms the basic distinctness and holistic integration of both body and soul.”
—John W. Cooper, professor emeritus of philosophical theology, Calvin Theological Seminary
“For many years, I felt settled in my understanding of the body-soul relationship. But now, to avoid substantial error, we must integrate new findings from neuroscience with our concept of the human person. Using Scripture, theology, philosophy, and working examples, Stan Wallace’s book thoughtfully probes the body-soul-brain dynamic. From reading his thoughtful commentary, I have a deeper, richer understanding of what it means to ‘belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.’ So can you.”
—Shirley J. Roels, executive director, International Network for Christian Higher Education
“‘Good philosophy must exist,’ C. S. Lewis wrote, ‘if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered.’ Because so much bad philosophy, both formal and popular, exists around the questions of what it means to be human, it must be answered. That’s exactly what Stan Wallace gives us in Have We Lost Our Minds, along with a clear, articulate description of the beautiful, robust reality of the imago Dei, which is to say, who we truly are.”
—John Stonestreet, president, Colson Center
“Have We Lost Our Minds? is a game changer! Sometimes we walk down an unsettled road for a considerable distance before a loving corrective voice sets us on the proper path. Stan Wallace does just that. Wallace brings a kind, gracious, scholarly perspective to move us in the direction of genuine human flourishing by confronting the errors of well-intentioned authors promoting neurotheology. I highly recommend this book.”
—Jimmy Dodd, founder and president, PastorServe
- Title: Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing
- Authors: J. P. Moreland, Stan W. Wallace
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666789157, 9781666789133, 1666789135, 9781666789140, 1666789143, 1666789151
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666789157
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-06-18T20:47:43Z
Stan Wallace is the President and CEO of Global Scholars, an academic ministry equipping Christian professors to be the “aroma of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15) in higher education worldwide. He is also a Co-Catalyst for the Lausanne Movement’s Academic Ministry and Educators Network and is on the board of Apologetics on Mission. Stan has done doctoral studies in philosophy at Marquette University and holds a Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology. He has published in academic and ministry journals, contributed to several books, edited several others, produces two monthly podcasts: College Faith and Thinking Christianly, and is the author of Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing (2024).