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ty. Certainly, Martin Luther’s On the Bondage of the Will things they can do is to stop and look back at where they
and Jonathan Edwards’s Freedom of the Will would be have come from and to look around at what others have
beneficial reading for neuropsychologists working in this to say. When they do that--when they look not only to
area—Christian or not. neuroscience, but also to philosophy, theology, and other
Third, given their unique skill set, Christian neuropsy- fields of inquiry--their work will no doubt be richer and
chologists can offer insight into the complex interplay more closely aligned with the human experience.
between biology, environment, sin, will, human responsi-
bility, and God’s sovereignty, to name a few concepts that
can affect behavior or contribute to specific disorders. Bibliography
Works by Matthew Stanford (e.g., The Biology of Sin), Edwards, J. (1754). Freedom of the will. Available from: http://www.
and Ed Welch (e.g., Blame it on the Brain), for example, ccel.org/ccel/edwards/will.html
have already made some headway into understanding the Luther, M. (1525). De Servo Abitrio/On the bondage of the will. Availa-
complex interplay of these things to specific disorders. ble from: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/luther/bondage
Christian neuropsychologists add richness to explaining Stanford, M.S. (2010). The biology of sin: Grace, hope, and healing for
cognitive and behavioral functioning because of their wi- those who feel trapped. Colorado Springs, CO: Biblica Publishing.
der framework of understanding. Welch. E.T. (1998). Blame it on the brain? Distinguishing chemical im-
Fourth, bioethical challenges will continue. Even a casual balances, brain disorders, and disobedience. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyte-
rian & Reformed.
awareness of world news over the past several years will
remind us of the many unique ethical and moral deci-
sions facing individuals, families, health care providers,
and courts. For example, questions of sanctity of life ac-
ross the age spectrum (i.e., abortion, brain death, eutha-
nasia) will not disappear from the public view anytime
soon. Those who not only understand the biological is-
sues involved, but who are able to compassionately and
wisely think through the moral and theological implica-
tions will be of benefit to all involved. This again seems
to be a place where the Christian neuropsychologist may
play a unique role.
Finally, my hope would be that as Christian neuropsy-
chologists, the ability to help patients and their families
might be enriched. Every day, God grants neuropsycholo-
gists the privilege of working with those whose brains are
not optimally functioning. One of the roles of a Christian
neuropsychologist is to explain in plain language what is
functioning well and what is not. They are expected to in-
form patients and doctors about why patients think and
behave the way they do. A large part of that has to do
with the integrity, or alternatively disintegration, of their
brains. Yet they cannot stop there. They must also offer
responses that draw upon an understanding of who their
patients are relationally, spiritually, and psychologically
in their current circumstances.
One of my areas of specialization is dementia. Many de-
mentias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are incurable at this
time. Drawing from the above, I see my role as a provider
who not only assists in the diagnosis of the disease and
who characterizes strengths and weaknesses, but I need
to help patients and their families understand what has
happened to the parent they once knew. I have to help
them make decisions about advanced planning and ca-
regiving. I also have to help them understand how to die
well. Modern medicine, in my opinion, has lost this final
skill. We seek to alleviate suffering. Yet sometimes, the
most helpful thing we can do is help make sense of the
suffering.
So, in conclusion, let me say again that I think that neu-
ropsychology has a unique place in Christian psycholo-
gy. As neuroscientists move ahead in the understanding
of how the brain influences behavior, perhaps the best

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