SCRIPTURE
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered… John 15: 4-6
QUOTE
"I was taught that the human brain was the crowning glory of evolution so far, but I think it's a very poor scheme for survival" Kurt Vonnegut
SCIENCE
Within the three-pound human brain resides a staggering assembly of 100 billion neurons, each forging connections with approximately 10,000 other neurons. This intricate network, totaling an astonishing 100 trillion connections, weaves a complex and dynamic system termed the connectome. The connectome is a blueprint for understanding how information flows within the brain. The elaborate neural pathways within this connectome govern the intricacies of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, shaping the very essence of our cognitive and behavioral experiences.
LET US PONDER
The genesis of the human brain commences from a single neural stem cell during the early stages of development. In the initial trimester of pregnancy, neural proliferation experiences an exponential surge, witnessing the birth of approximately 15 to 20 million cells every hour. However, this rapid growth phase concludes around 18 months of age, marking the cessation of new neuron formation. Concurrently, the amalgamation of diverse cell types into distinct regions within the brain is largely finalized. However, the brain removes neurons and synapses that it does not need and strengthens the essential ones. This process is called pruning, and it persists for several years. As early as the seventh month of fetal development, the emerging brain exhibits its detectable waves, emanating signals that can be discerned through the mother's abdomen.
If the cells responsible for shaping the forebrain are not properly generated, it leads to a condition known as anencephaly, meaning "without brain." Tragically, anencephaly almost invariably results in stillbirth or, if the newborn survives, life is sustained for only a few hours. Similarly, inadequate closure of the neural tube can give rise to various degrees of spina bifida, characterized by a "split spine."
Each facet of our being is intricately programmed and meticulously tuned, akin to the precision with which every neuron operates. Much like the intentional removal of unnecessary neurons, we are guided to relinquish traits hindering our spiritual progression and cultivate qualities conducive to our spiritual development. Analogous to a neuron relying on its connections for optimal function and survival, our existence is intricately interwoven with our dependence on Christ for sustenance and effective purpose; if not, we fail.