Book Review: This is Your Brain on Joy

In his book, This is Your Brain on Joy, Dr. Earl Henslin sets out to show Christians how to improve their mental well being. One of his arguments is that many of our mental woes originate in different areas of the brain as depicted on a specialized imaging technique called SPECT. For the majority of the book book, Dr. Henslin discusses major mental health issues such as anxiety and then provides ways to combat them, primarily through the use of alternative medicine.

One thing that struck me about this book is the author’s over reliance on the SPECT images as proof for his argument. To say that one area of the brain lights up on an image therefore that’s what causes anxiety, depression, etc. seems too simplified to me.

Another area of concern is his recommended use of certain alternative medicines and practices. While I commend his practice of only prescribing pharmaceuticals as a last resort, some of his recommendations have questionable scientific backing. And to say that depression can be helped with supplements , music therapy, and a good movie may be useful for the milder forms of the disease, but potentially dangerous for the more severe cases.

Despite the above concerns, I did find some positive areas. The author writes in a down to earth writing style that includes a pleasant mix of humor. Another positive is the author’s attempt to teach Christians not to be afraid of psychology but to appreciate what it can teach us about what it means to be human. The book also attempts to explain brain anatomy in such a way that even the average person can understand. So, even if there are some problem areas, it's important not to through the baby out with the bathwater.

For those of you interested, here's more info on This is Your Brain on Joy.

The Meaning of Pro-Life

 

Just a few months back, during my drive home from work, I was tailgated by a speeding car with a license plate that urged me to “choose life.” I noticed the hypocrisy immediately. How could someone value the life of the unborn while placing the lives of others at risk with reckless driving?  Perhaps the car was driven by a man with a passenger in the midst of labor or some other emergency. I do not know.  Even though that experience is a weak example of the hypocrisy found in some of the so-called pro-life groups, it was enough to initiate the question of what does it mean to be truly pro-life. 

As I stated, the speeding car was a poor example of the hypocrisy found among some pro-lifers.  But for many Pensacolians, there are two terrible examples: Michael Griffin and Paul Hill. These two men shot and killed abortion doctors and escorts at Pensacola abortion clinics back in the early 1990’s. Apparently these men forgot or ignored the teachings of Christ, who is the perfect example of what it means to be pro-life.

Unfortunately, the hypocrisy can be found in other areas of our society. Take, for example, the political positions of some pro-lifers. Many support massive spending on the military while taking strong stances against increases in healthcare funding. I guess they are not pro-life when it comes to people dying due to a lack of access to affordable healthcare. And what about the hungry and the poor found all over the world?  How can one claim to be pro-life while withholding compassion towards the needy?  And how can someone claim to be pro-life while abusing a child, spouse, or co-worker. Of course, most pro-life folks, Christian and non-Christian alike, are not compassionless pro-war wife beaters. However, my point is this: pro-life is not a political stance, it is a way of life. It is a natural result of integrating Christ’s charge to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” into our daily lives. So, as I remember that speeding car with the pro-life license plate, I remember that all of us (me too) need to look at our pattern of living and see if we are indeed pro-life.

Welcome!

Welcome to "A Pilgrim's Progress" blog! The primary purpose of this site is to share with you my journey of faith and the lessons I have learned along the way. I'll write about books, political happenings, music, sports, and pretty much everything else, but with a spiritual bent.

It is important to note that I will write from a ecumenical christian perspective. As a matter of fact, I do not belong to any particular denomination since, as my blog title implies, I am still looking for my faith home within christianity. So, I hope to be of benefit to everyone, irregardless of their faith.