148 | Exploring the Brain's Mysteries through Faith: Renewal Conversation with Dr. Hermina Nedelescu

There is something really special, almost mystical, about hearing how God is unfolding in other people's lives and how they co-create with the Holy Spirit.
And this week I have the joy of sharing with you one such amazing conversation with a Romanian born Neuroscientist, whose research uncovers the brain's role in abnormal behaviors and human psychopathology: Dr. Hermina Nedelescu
Dr. Hermina's journey is driven by her "curiosity of things in life", especially about the brain and behavior, and by her profound love for God. She is passionate about bridging the GAP between science and our Christian Faith and sharing her knowledge to educate and empower.
In this episode, get ready to discover:
✝️ Her underground faith journey in Romania
💡 How her curiosity about the mind guided her vocation
🧠 Her wisdom about the brain and the research she is conducting
🧘‍♀️ Practical self-care advice as a scientist living a highly demanding profession
👧 Her advocacy for the role of women in the Orthodox church
📍Research on how the lack of involvement in the church impacts women's health and emotional well-being.
Do you want to learn more about our guest, Dr. Hermina Nedelescu?
✨ Dr. Hermina Nedelescu is a Romanian-born neuroscientist. Her research work focuses on the neurobiological control of abnormal behaviors and brain functions relevant to human psychopathology.
✨ For her theological work, she is training with the Center for Theology and Natural Sciences at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, where she leverages her expertise in neuroscience to develop a theological anthropology based on the Christian Orthodox tradition. This research is focused on the topic of desire vs. dysregulated desire leading to abuse.
✨ She is an instructor for Stepping Higher Inc., a faith-based organization funded by the County of San Diego Behavior Health Services Department to teach and support clergy, pastors, and behavioral health providers who minister to people suffering from substance use disorders, substance abuse, as well as, other psychological addictions or mental illnesses.
✨ She is actively involved in the state legislative efforts to protect adults from clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse. She is co-founder of Prosopon Healing, a resource site for Orthodox Christian victims/survivors of clergy abuse.
Resources:
📒 A resource site for assistance and healing from clergy-perpetrated abuse - www.prosoponhe...
📒 A summary of her research on clergy sexual abuse in Orthodox Church- clergysexualmi...
📒 A longer detailed interview about clergy-perpetrated abuse in the Orthodox Church - goodmenproject...
📒 A sermon on the biblical meaning of forgiveness - • Forgiveness Sunday - D...
📒 Science and Theology presentations links- • Uncovering the “Invisi... , • Dr Hermina Nedelescu -... , • Liturgical Service by ...
BOOK suggestions:
📚 Church of Our Granddaughters by Dr. Carrie Frederick Frost
📚 Soul Mending by John Chryssavgis
📚 Stages of Faith by James Fowler
✝️ P.S. Join GROWING IN CHRIST JOURNEY (GCJ) with 1) daily short lessons, bible verse, contemplative practices & journaling prompt, 2) monthly courses (4-6 hours/month) & 3) monthly zoom calls so you can Thrive in Christ using science, psychology, spiritual care and Christian Faith. TRY it risk free FOR $5 for 1 Week (cancel anytime)
www.teamforthe...
Your sister in Christ,
Dr. Ioana
👍 And if this episode and channel blesses you, give it a THUMBS-UP, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE IT with other Christian Women, as we don't know who might need this message today!
NEXT STEPS WITH DR. IOANA:
✝️ Join FREE 'Thriving In Christ' Resources with Holistic Self-Care Habits for Professional Christian Women & Servant Leaders to get my weekly emails and updates,
www.teamforthe...
✝️ Free SEEDS OF RENEWAL mini-course: jumpstart your Self-care with the 3 PILLARS of Renewal
www.teamforthe...
✝️ READY for a major transformative experience to achieve your highest potential with my highly skilled, high touch, high access year-long Spiritual Care Life & Leadership Coaching? Learn about HEART IN CHRIST PROGRAM, 1:1 Spiritual Care Life Program and Sign-up for an INQUIRY CALL BY CLICKING BELOW
www.teamforthe...
DISCLAIMER:
All information provided on this website is strictly for educational purposes and does not form a physician-patient or coach/consultant-client relationship. All information is provided as is and is used at your own risk. Please speak to your doctor, medical and mental health providers about any information you listen or read on this channel or related websites.

[@mariathomas810]

Very lovely interview. Great info. I have read "Church of our Granddaughters by Carrie Frederick Frost is very informative and a great way for women to get the conversation going in a kind, loving, environment even if a person is not sure they approve of the content. It is important I feel as an orthodox christian the we come from a place of "we" in these conversations rather than "us versus them" Last I think it's important what Dr. Popa said towards the end about the spiritual and psychological working together for healing. It is truly humble for a priest to say "that issue is beyond my scope of training, however I will pray and work with you while you also see someone who is trained in that field etc." Also for the psychological worker to say "seek your spiritual help along with the work we do etc..

[@TeamForTheSoul]

Thank you Maria for your very thoughtful comment and for your very interesting points! I totally agree with having peaceful conversations and move from "us vs. them" to find the common thread in Christ. And I am so glad you value both the psychological and spiritual growth! This is so essential. Glory to God! Have a blessed weekend.