Book Review: In His Own Image:
We Are Wonderfully Made
Foreword
The light initiating
germination[1]
of my pondering the power of the mind combined with the Holy Spirit flashed on
my six-year-old imagination while irrigating on the farm with my dad. Dad and
my neighbor Richard Horning straddled the property line demarcating their
cornfields a mile east and a mile south of Gaylord, Kansas in July 1973. They
discussed crops, weather, and irrigation water supply.
Wearing green Sears Toughskin jeans, a tank top with blue horizontal
stripes, a baseball cap pulled down over my eyes, and cowboy boots, I threw
clods and chased frogs. Suddenly their conversation captured my
attention—ultimately changing my life. Richard began sharing his experiences as
a United States Marine serving in World War Two. He described a battle with the
Japanese that left him as the only survivor among his group of U.S. troops—I do
not recall the number of men in the group.
Japanese soldiers walked amongst the
U.S. Marine causalities verifying their death by penetrating their heart with
bayonets. One Japanese soldier approached Richard, kicking him in the ribs and
poking him with a bayonet. Richard played dead! He avoided moving, breathing or
screaming—he played dead. Just as the Japanese man prepared to pierce Richard’s
heart, the enemy commander called for his soldier to leave Richard and move
forward.[2]
This story, along with several others Richard told that day,
permeated my mind, permanently prompting my curiosity. What forces enabled Richard to remain
motionless, breathless, and speechless under these circumstances? What caused
the Japanese commander to halt his soldier immediately before the bayonet pierced Richard’s heart? What prevented the
Japanese soldier from quickly completing the motion of piercing before
proceeding with his company? Do these forces and causes affect the lives—functionality,
performance, and health—of typical, non-combat, individuals?
Introduction
A plethora of scholars amidst the inclusive array of
athletes, biologists, business men and women, metaphysics, motivational
speakers and authors, neuroscientists, physicians, theologians, as well as
other perpetually inquisitive people ponder and study the mind—spirit—body
relationship. Does interdependence exist among the body-mind-spirit? If so, how
do the interdependencies reveal themselves, and do they yield synergy or
antagonism?
Who or what controls
inputs and resulting yields? Should we believe the Holy Spirit guided prophets
and apostles who discussed spiritual influence and our resulting words on our
mind and body[3]
(James 3:5-6)? Does Christ’s torturing, death and resurrection affect our
health (Is. 53:4-5; Mt. 27:26; Mk. 16:17-18; Jn. 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24)?[4]
Does the mind truly enable physical manifestation of any and everything one
believes?[5]
Does the Christian view accept views of Faith
and Autosuggestion as discussed by
Napoleon Hill?[6]
Hippocrates (500 BC) accepted the correlation of behavior, attitudes, thoughts,
emotions and disease. Galen (AD 131-201) concurred while adding passions.[7]
Dr. Art Mathias, Wellsprings Ministries of Alaska,
thoroughly investigates the inquisitions body-soul-spirit
interdependencies through scripture and human physiology, supplying detailed
insights.[8]
Dr. Mathias examines vocabulary definitions, thus correlating scriptural words
with one’s health. For example, scripture uses ‘Salvation, soteria and
the verb form sozo, are used over one-hundred-fifty times to mean “to save,
cure, heal, preserve, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger, or destruction,
deliver, to save from peril, injury or suffering, to make whole from physical
death by healing, and from spiritual death by forgiving sin and its effects
(Mt. 21-22; Mk. 6:56; Acts 4:9; James 5:15-16).’ Rapha means ‘to cure, heal,
repair, mend and restore health’ (Gen. 20:17)”[9]
Doctor originates from Rophe,
“the one who heals (Ex. 15:26) diseases and sins (Ps. 103:1-3; and broken
hearts” (Lk. 4:18-20; Ps. 147:3). While healing of the body, and promoting a
sound mind and character comes from Marpe
(Prov. 4:22; 16:24). Hugiaina signifies a properly functioning body, and the
English word, health.
In His Own Image: We Are Wonderfully Made
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
Psychoneuroimmunology
(PNI) studies the interactions between “behaviors—stress, thoughts, attitudes, and emotions—brain (central nervous system),
the endocrine system—hormones—and the immune system.”[10]
Adrienne Buffaloe, MD states, “Rarely does a physician investigate the
spiritual and emotional contributions to an illness, so two-thirds of the cause
of the illness remains unexplored.”[11]
PNI asks how and why anxiety modifies the endocrine and immune systems, delving
into the bi-directional relations. Mathias suggests our response to stressors
or experiences determines our body’s physiological response.[12]
Negative emotions do suppress the immune system while positive emotions of laughter,
peace and healthy family relationships enhance the immune system.[13]
Fear serves as a powerful emotion that conditions our responses resulting in an
alarm reaction, thus conditioning our immune system. “2 Timothy 1:7 calls this
type of fear, an evil spirit.”[14]
The book insightfully illustrates the effect of the alarm reaction as well as
triggering events such as “unforgiveness, anger, guilt, regret and loneliness”[15]
to name a few. The evidence of their negative effects on our health amplifies
the physical significance of forgiveness and trusting God (Prov. 3:3-5).
I agree with Mathias’ assertions that God designed
plasticity in our immune system, allowing it to be “educated, trained and
specialized.”[16]
We develop our specific immunity, as opposed to receiving an innate immunity.
Growing-up and working on the farm amidst old dust, livestock and playing in
the soil with microbes and pathogens along with much joy, laughter and healthy
family relationships eventually enhanced my immune system.
Having accumulated a meager ten days of sickness since 1990,
I believe these intentional interrelations exist. During this ongoing
twenty-two year stretch beginning in 1990, the flu or other incapacitating
illness struck for a few days each in December 1990, December 1998—I felt as if
I were floating above the bed where I lie—February 2003, and February 11-13,
2007. Each of these occurrences resulted from my ignoring the warning signs of
exhaustion.
Effectively, I muted the voice of the Holy Spirit. Yet, I
experienced immense stress throughout these periods, ranging from working
full-time while running fifty to 135 weekly miles between 1990 and the end of
1996. I avoided injuries between May 1994 through November 1996 while running
70–135 miles per week at an average door-step—to—door-step pace of 5:55 per
mile.
I constantly prayed, studied scripture, listened to motivational tapes,
and read motivational scriptural based books with my favorite, What You Say Is What You Get.[17]
Which presents similar concepts to the book in this review, In His Own Image,[18]
while lacking the scientific dialogue. Allergies to parathion caused my
resignation as a Consulting Agronomist in 1994. Twice I moved to new
communities in support of my wife at the time, who was in ministry.
Between September 2005 and August 2008, I endured a shocking
divorce, along with the death of a grandmother, aunt, uncle, nephew and Dad. I
then reentered the agricultural sector as an agronomy salesman. On August 14,
2009, my boss asked for my resignation because I am too honest. Previously, others in the company warned against
choosing truth and biblical principles over profit. “Rick, if you continue
choosing following principles of the Bible on the job, you will fail in this
profession.” Two of these gentlemen served on local church councils.
Despite these stressors, I remain healthy. Consequently, I
believe this book’s thesis of our thoughts, attitudes and responses may affect
our health. While certainly falling short of adequacy, I read the Bible
regularly. This includes cover-to-cover about twenty-five times between May
2006 and August 2008, in addition to devotional readings.
Yes, I have studied
the content of this book where the rubber meets the road over decades and from
numerous perspectives. When on the verge of physical and emotional collapse,
only scripturally true inspiration activates the proper neurotransmitters and
neuropeptides to keep my mind and body healthy. Yes, I agree with Mathias’
assertion regarding the effect of communication between the nervous system and
neuroendocrine system, or between the brain and endocrine systems on the immune
system.[19]
Why do some of us respond in a manner yielding good health, while others fail
to respond similarly? I continue standing by my earlier argument of God’s
sovereignty aimed to glorify Him. Yet, how much choice do we have? We could
probably read and write volumes of books on this question alone. God brings
intertwines people and opportunity in our lives, quite possibly to spark
neuropeptides resulting in a hormone or endorphin to encourage us to say, Yes leading to another open door, leader
to another neuron interaction.
Biochemical transmissions and interactions including the
exchange and passage of hormones fire hundred, sometimes thousands of times per
second. No wonder we get tired. Endocrine glands produce hormones, effecting
growth, development and metabolism. Hormones, or “Messenger Molecules,”
originate specifically from our hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, gonads,
thyroid, parathyroid and pancreas.
The body mirrors the mind.[20]
Each neuropeptide in the mind, exists on the surface of the human monocyte.
Human monocytes have receptors for opiates, and other peptides such as PCP—angel dust. Monocytes represent one type
of white blood cell. Immune cells create, store, and secrete peptides
themselves, especially endorphins, making the same cells that we conceive of as
controlling mood in the brain.
Therefore, immune cells control tissue integrity
of the body, and manufacture information chemicals that regulate mood or
emotion, resulting in the bidirectional communication between brain and body.[21]
Dr. Mathias explains the physiological effects of sin, especially on the immune
and nervous system. The sin of negativity carries profound impact on attainment
and recovery of injuries and illness.
Conversely, cheerfulness enhances
the immune system (Prov. 15:30, 17:22).[22]
The Bible defines joy a component in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and
explains our remaining joyful in our every circumstance pleases God (James
1:2-4; 1 Thess. 5:16-18). Additionally, cheerful words also enhance our immune
system formed in our bone marrow (Prov. 16:24). Therefore, one may correctly
conclude that joy prevents unnecessary illness.
Joy produces good
neuropeptides, these occupy opiate receptors which prevents the attachment of
cancer cells’ neuropeptide receptors.[23]
I prefer filling my opiate receptors with neuropeptides of joy, than those of angel dust. This displays the body’s
need for joy, yet depraved humanity seeks destructive neuropeptides generated
in and from sin. The Bible uses Job’s multitude of physical tortures (Job 2-38)
and Lazarus’ illness and death (John 11:4) to illustrate that God may allow the
failing of our physical health to glorify Him, and heal the souls of
unbelievers.
Consequently, prudence mandates we cautiously address the Prosperity of Health Gospel, lest we
practice the judgment errs of Job’s friends. Regardless of the volume of
thoughts we originate or our allocation of positive or negative emotions, our
physical bodies will die because of the Fall of Man in the Garden (Gen. 3:1-19;
Rom. 3:23).
Brain and Nervous System
Dr. Mathias provides a brief overview of the brain along
with the major functions of each component. Evidently, I experienced
miss-firings in my brain while typing these last two sentences as evidenced by
numerous errors. The brain’s “lower structures” involves “circuits of
the brainstem deep within the skull that mediate the basic elements of energy
flow, such as states of arousal and alertness and the physiological state of
the body (temperature, respiration, heart rate).”
While the thalamus
resides on the brain stem’s upper side, overseeing as gateway for inbound
sensory information along with extensive connections to other portions of the
brain, this includes the neocortex. The neocortex mediations encompass
perception, thinking and reasoning. The limbic
system’s central location, whose components include orbitofrontal cortex,
anterior cingulate, and amygdala, optimally coordinates the higher and lower
structure activity.
The latter regions facilitate “emotion, motivation, and
goal-directed behavior,” while also integrating processes such as the appraisal
of meaning, processing of social experience and regulating emotion. [24]
When we consciously access our memory, we rely heavily on the limbic system’s
hippocampus, which is part of the medial temporal lobe. This aids understanding
why our temple region hurts when striving to remember….oh yeah, the bread at
the store….remember the orange juice too.
Neural pathways serve as the highways by which information
travels from the brain to the various destinations of organs, and muscles. One
hundred billion neurons make up the nervous system. An average of ten thousand
connections, directly link each neuron to other neurons. Scientists estimate
one million billion connections.[25]
The body contains two “million miles of bioelectrical cables,” with some
signals exceeding 100 meters per second while controlling things such as the
eyes, toes and fingers. In laymen’s terms, “They’re boogying!!!” Every thought
and deed ultimately originates from a bioelectrical signal,[26]
on unfathomable electrical grid. How does one escape awe in the grid, yet
exponentially incomprehensible that each of these biochemical-electrical
synapses occur thousands of times per second every day of our life.
We rarely
consider their existence when they misfire or “short.” This attribute alone
cements the verifications of Romans 1:20. Even though we fail to see the
interactions of the body, we observe its continual functioning, only crying to
God when a few neurons are misdirected.
The book’s discussion on brain formation and function, fully
correlate with other reputable books.[27]
The author discusses how infants are born with excess neurons, and pruned as
they develop. We learn that experience, beginning at our conception, affects our
future relationships. This may explain why siblings may vary, or why children
of the same age whose parents are friends develop relationally similar.
This
principle also illustrates the effect of choices and consequences affect us
from the immediate beginning. Additionally, Mathias discusses the plasticity of
our genetics, changing throughout life. In fact, “positive responses to
negative experiences can change genetics.”[28]
Another explanation on the differences of siblings, relatives.
Neurotransmitters
Negative emotions significantly impact over or under
secretion of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, thus also negative emotions,
control muscles, motivation, appetite, injury recovery, cardiovascular, and the
immune system. Science displays how our relationship with God, striving to live
in His image, and living joyful, grateful, prayerful lives benefits our health
as we avoid, or at least hinder, negative emotions.
Negative emotions lead to stress
(i.e. anxiety or depression) which causes the adrenal gland to release
cortisol, long-term excess cortisol can destroy the immune system. However,
like most molecules, poison exists in the dose. Cortisol’s benefits the body by
assisting metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids Metabolism. Cortisol
reduces muscle uptake of Glucose and Fat Tissue. Exercise mandates the proper
muscle uptakes of glucose and lipids, lipid metabolism increases endurance.
Scientists have identified at least thirty molecules as
neurotransmitters, divided into categories such as neuropeptides, amino
acids—which comprise proteins—monoamines, and acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters
control muscles, motivation, appetite, injury, recovery, cardiovascular, and
the immune system.[29]
This section identifies numerous neurotransmitters, their primary and tertiary
functions along with where in the body some are located. Two examples include Serotonin that “influences mood and
behavior…and vasoconstrictor (reduces blood vessel size); reduces appetite…and
aggression, and is responsible for normal sleep. Histamine: Found in mast cells and basophils;….results in
increased blood flow to an injured part of the body,….”24
The book continues discussing the various organs, systems
and their interrelations, I will examine a few for the sake of illustration and
insight.
Hypothalamus is the supervisory center
of Brain.
Hypothalamic
hormones are produced by nerve cells–neurons which control:
Ø
Hunger
Ø
Thirst
Ø
Sexual Functions and Behaviors
Ø
Blood Pressure
Ø
Heart Rate
Ø
Body Temperature Maintenance
Ø
Sleep-Wake Cycle
Factors
indirectly influencing hypothalamic functions:
Ø
Light-Dark Cycle
Ø
Temperature
Ø
Communication from People
Ø
Our own Thoughts and Emotions
Ø
Sights
Ø
Sounds
Ø
Smells
Ø
Touch
We represent an amazing creation, in
the image of the Creator. Each of the factors on the right, affect those on the
left. Considering the Moon stage serves as an indicator of the physical
environment as affect by the earth’s spatial positioning, we should easily
acknowledge why strange things sometimes occur during full moons. Additionally,
this strongly displays the effects of one’s physical and emotional
environmental. Our thoughts and environment certainly influence our health, behavior
and productivity. This reminds of our dependency on the Holy Spirit.
The Major Hypothalamic (releasing
and inhibiting) hormones and what they regulate and/or control include, CRH
(Corticotrophin) – carbohydrate, protein, fat metabolism, GnRH (Gonadotropin) –
sexual and reproductive functions, TRH (Thyrotropin) – metabolic processes of
all cells, contributes to hormonal regulation of lactation; GRF (Growth Hormone
Factor) – promoting growth of our bodies, Somatostatin – Bone and Muscle Growth,
Dopamine – Neurotransmitter (primarily) - sends messages of pleasure, alertness
and motor control.
The Pineal Gland, located in the
same area of brain as hypothalamus, produces Melatonin. When a neural pathway from hypothalamus to Pineal Gland
is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system. Depression lowers melatonin,
which regulates daily body rhythms, inhibits some cancers by stimulating
production of interleukin 2 and natural killer cells in the immune system. This
acts as a powerful antioxidant that contains a complete map of the visual field
of the eyes.29
Tremendous evidence supports that
negative emotions (depression and anxiety) enhance production of
proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines create inflammation throughout the
body – resulting in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2
diabetes, certain cancers (multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic
lymphocytic leukemia), Alzheimer’s and periodontal disease. Once again, the
physical manifestations of joy versus depression display the health benefits of
scriptural truths of joy.[30]
We previously discussed the detrimental effects of fear on
our immune system and our resulting health. Mathias discusses the continual spiritual
warfare (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2), along with sin and the effects of sin. He also
correctly acknowledges the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers. He
concludes with approximately one hundred pages studying the specific diseases
and the root spiritual cause and best practice for an opportunity of curing.
For example, Bone
Cancer—“Osteosarcoma—the most common type of bone cancer in children. Very
weak immune systems are the major factor in this disease.” He lists the
spiritual and emotional strongholds as “Inherited broken heart, bitterness,
abandonment, and fear. Parents, repent and renounce these strongholds,
including unbelief, and break agreement with them in your generations (both
sides of the family).”[31]
While much of what Mathias states holds truth, his
presumption of sinful parents absent adequate questioning, lacks prudence.
However, Mathias walks in the presumptuous company of the disciples (Jn. 9:2),
as well as myself and others, occasionally. Moreover, using non-factual terms
such as “broken heart” allows for error of understanding. How does one
adequately define a broken heart? If
we assume bitterness, abandonment or fear, only use those words.
Summary
Our thoughts and emotions affect our health, including our
past fears and joys.[32]
What alters thoughts and emotions? Spiritual forces easily influence our
thoughts, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Choosing to rebuke Satan and all
his demonic forces provides significant advantages as well as asking Jesus
Christ through the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us with His
presence and resulting fruit of the Spirit, along with protecting our body,
mind and soul from the evil forces. I concur with Mathias’ assessment that
faithful prudence responds with power, love and sound and that fear is a sin (2
Tim. 1:7).[33]
Walking by the Spirit, and the resulting fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) leads
to enhanced opportunity for good physical health.
We can only speculate on Richard Horning’s survival, his
ability to play dead, while the
Japanese kicked him in the ribs and poked him with a bayonet. This speculation very
likely could have resulted because God possessed additional plans for Richard.
Because of these plans, perhaps altered by prayers from Richard’s home at that
moment or cumulative, it appears God enabled Richard to have peace and joy in
Him. This allowed Richard’s breathing and heart rate to reach undeterminable
levels.
Why have I been blessed with good health virtually all of my
life despite various stress triggering events? As Mathias declares in In His Own Image, an optimistic
attitude, a forgiving heart, cheerfulness and joy certainly help.
In His Own Image by Art Mathias
sufficiently investigates and identifies the body-psyche-soul
interrelationship. He discusses the Bible’s teachings of spiritual warfare,
exceeding our conscience cognizance. This book serves well in evaluating the
spiritual and emotional factors affecting physical health. However, as
illustrated in the story and book of Job, God’s sovereignty rules above
physical laws. Consequently, prudence demands caution before using the context
to condemn an ill person. Conversely, the wise will carefully assess their
physical ailments in light of the emotional and spiritual affects.
Ultimately,
this book emphasizes living in grace, love and forgiveness, walking in the
Spirit, receiving the fruit of the Spirit. In so doing, we place our self in
the best possible position to win with good health. Of course, I once heard a
speaker quip, “I exercise every day, because I understand I will die
healthier.” The body eventually dies, we seek to live as best possible while
serving Christ on earth.
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06, 2012).
—. "Light and Germination." Running on
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