The Trinity and the Human Brain: A Comparison.

Many experts on the Human brain have noticed that the Human psyche has three parts to it. Freud called them the id, superego, and ego. Practitioners of transactional analysis call the three parts of the Human psyche, the child, parent and adult.

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These days many experts believe that the three parts of the Human psyche actually have a biological basis. There are three parts to the Human brain itself, the reptile brain, the mammal brain and the neocortex.

The reptile brain, also known as the reptilian complex or r complex for short, evolved first. This corresponds roughly to the idea of an id, or child. From the reptile brain we get our instinct to survive, fight, flee, gain territory and reproduce. From the reptile brain we get our most basic emotions. The dragon within is very much alive and well and necessary. Humans wouldn't be Human without the reptile brain.

The mammal brain, also known as the limbic system, evolved next. This corresponds roughly to the idea of a superego or parent. From our mammal brain, we get our urge to nurture, to love and to join with others. From the mammal brain comes our ability to follow laws and rules, and to make them. Much of what is best in the Human psyche comes from the mammal brain.

The neocortex evolved last of all. It corresponds roughly to the idea of an ego, or an adult. From the neocortex we get the skills necessary to make peace between the reptile brain and the mammal brain. From the neocortex comes reason, and memory, and logic. From the neocortex comes intellect. We need the neocortex to understand the Universe.

Because He evolved beyond the time space continuum and has the ability to enter it again at any point, the Most High is both the Son of Man, and our Parent. Like child, like Parent. The Most High also has a Triune Psyche. We call it the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the Id of God. From the Holy Spirit comes the wonder of worship. From the Holy Spirit comes the most basic and deep Power of God. From the Holy Spirit comes the urge to reach out and engulf the Human race with His Love.

The Father is the Superego of God. From the Father we get the Ten Commandments. From the Father we get the Majesty of God. From the Father we get the ability to tell right from wrong.

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Jesus Christ is the Ego of God. From Christ we get the ability to temper the justice of the Father with mercy and compassion. From Jesus Christ we learn to bring harmony and control to the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Peace Maker.

 Different congregations emphasize different parts of the Trinity and have different styles of worship that reflect the different parts. Some congregations have solemn "traditional" ceremonies that honor the Father most beautifully. Some congregations have loud, emotion charged "Holy Spirit" filled ceremonies where people stick up their hands and yell "Praise the Lord" and sometimes speak in tongues. Some congregations aim more towards the middle ground. Often different congregations look askance at what the other styles of worshippers are doing and claim they have the only "right" way. But people, too are all different from one another. Some are basically feelers. Some are basically thinkers Some go half and half. For that reason the Body of Christ needs ALL the different styles of worship that are available so all may eat at the Table of God and be satisfied. If you have gone to a church and felt uncomfortable with the way that congregation worships, try another. But rest assured.� All Christians are part of the Body of Christ, no matter what kind of people they are, or how they like to worship.

  ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO TRY AN EXPERIMENT?

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Copy-right 2005 Elizabeth Hensley. I hereby give permission to anyone to reproduce my pamphlet providing the words are not changed and my name, url, and email address stay attached.

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