Satan's effect on physical brain

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Or in this regard “Satan” is just an ancient fill in word to represent causative mechanisms we have never been able to understand.

Now we have much better causal mechanism to explain oor wild unbidden thoughts and feelings.

Like external electrical stimulation, sleep deprivation, tiredness, random synapse firings, hormonal and chemical fluctuations, unconscious replay of memories triggering other conscious areas of the brain, stress and so on.

And you would still prefer to say its “satan” because that is somehow a better causal explanation?
 
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What is your evidence that Satan directly and physically affects brains causing temptation?
 
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Well the claim is that Satan is a being with a mind that can have an effect on the physical brain (and tempt us). Are you suggesting Satan is a collective term for random synapse firings, stress etc?
 
No evidence, just asking how Satan can tempt without physical effect on our brain. Doesn’t seem to be a logical way.
 
You are the one asking for evidence re the causal mechanisms for temptation.

Yet you assume without evidence the existence not only of a non physical malicious being…but even more difficult, that this being somehow has a physical force that directly physically affects the brain.

These are extraorinarily difficult scientific hypotheses to prove.
What is your scientific evidence?

While I understand your hypotheses may be suggested by ancient spiritual beliefs (and even this is debatable) there is no longer much at all in the scientific world that underpins these old spiritual beliefs that have led to your hypotheses.

Therefore your hypotheses will be very difficult to prove or evidence from a physical causal perspective.

Hence my question.
Beliefs, especially ones related to earthly mechanisms, are not really “evidenced” by religion itself. Religion itself is ultimately non evidential when it comes to such things…thats why its faith.
 
I actually question of the existence of a being “Satan” , thus my original question at beginning of this thread.
 
We are made up of mind AND body, which are both
part of the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us be-
lievers, anything that causes detriment to their well-
being is harming the holy temple of God. SO you are
right in saying that too much cigarettes and sugar
can also be considered harming the Temple of the
Holy Spirit.
You see, Canada is about to legalize marijuana and
I am opposed to it since it will cause abuse by the
younger generation, who is the most vulnerable to
damages to the normal development of the brain.
The devil is come to steal, to kill and destroy(John
10:9-10) So any attack on the Church of the Living
God is demonic in nature.
 
I included the links as a contribution to the discussion and the community, not entirely off topic. Neuroimaging would come into play necessarily if your taking about changes to the brain, and it could be used both to attempt proof of negative and positive. So, whoever takes an interest in the thread is bound to appreciate this “other side” to the discussion at hand.
 
It has been said that satan knows of our sins that have not been confessed. If a demon came to your bedside he could send you some bad dreams and what not. God has to allow this though. This is why some people suffer from things that others don’t. Often, but not always, things that demons are allowed to do, will work against Satan’s purpose. Strength through adversity.

Demons watch closely sometimes to see what you do, how you react to things. With that knowledge, the demons can predict rather accurately what might tempt you. They are everywhere, yet we are advised not to “see the devil around every corner.” It is okay to be cognizant of them, but your time is much more worthwhile spent focusing on your walk with God. He is much more powerful than the demons and Satan.
 
Well, purely from an “evidence” point of view I agree with you.
While “satan” was considered a valid “scientific” explanation in the day…science is now against it.

There are far better physical causal explanations.

That does not mean “old religion” is wrong about fallen angels influencing our moral decisions.
It just means we don’t really know how - and it is not to be confused with a lot of “nature based” causes of temptation and alleged “possessions”.
 
I don’t understand how your reply to me relates to what I posted. I did not write or imply that neurology or any medical processes add to living the faith.

The question in the OP was phrased well. He simply asks for thoughts about how Satan’s physical effect on one’s brain effects free will and culpability.
 
Satan is not a better or worse causal explanation. He is just one of the choices.
 
That depends whether you are a man of science or a man of superstition.

Different situations of temptations are clearly better discerned as physical.

My teenage son wet dreaming his PJs once a week is not due to Satan or one of his female incubi perched on his bedpost I suggest.

I suggest it is a measurable case of massive testosterone level increases which clearly has a physical effect on the imagination section of the male brain.
 
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The bit about the teenager is definitely a straw man argument. Wet dreams are not sinful and are not due to temptation.

I am a man of science and religion. The two are not mutually exclusive. The matter of determining the source of temptation is not something we are likely to have much success with. I only have to rely on God’s grace and my own will to resist temptation whether from Satan or another source.
 
NuclearReceptor said:
A priest said that demons can have access to our memories. Or at least some. If that’s true, I’m not quite sure how… Perhaps he meant not our memories in our brains per se, but an evil being somewhere was “present” and “aware” when we did XYZ…
Click to expand...
I heard similar when priest explained why not to watch porn, because devil can play with images in our head.
 
Maybe “devil” is just simple person speak for graphic images obsessing the brain (understandably). Its perectly natural to get addicted and obsessed with things that give an endorphin rush.

No wonder men who couldnt control their lust called sexy women witches and blamed them for casting charms upon them.

We dont need to posit magic or devils to explain most obsessions and sensitive neuroses.
 
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