Our brain style and experiences shape how we pray and express our spirituality. Each brain is wired differently. Preferences about the best way to pray are linked to biological differences in how people think. Brain styles are our innate inclinations for how we process and communicate information, as well as how we relate to God.

Similar to using one hand more than the other, we have a dominant part of our brain. In addition to favoring our left- or right-brain hemisphere, we are also partial to being more intellectual or instinctual. Ned Herrman, creator of the Herrman Brain Dominance Instrument, integrated the work of previous brain researchers to create a metaphoric model of a four-quadrant brain. He called it a “whole-brain model” because it included the two hemispheres as well as the triune layers of the survival, emotional and higher thinking brain. Together, these parts form a physiological foundation for the four major brain styles. For easy reference, I’ll describe them as our Logical, Practical, Relational and Explorer Selves.

Each quadrant of the brain has distinct characteristics, likes and dislikes. The following is a summary of each brain style, worldview and how it approaches spirituality.

LOGICAL SELF

Focuses on the facts	Researches and studies theological doctrines
Analyzes and clarifies	Debates and seeks proof for beliefs
Values clear direction	Prefers a hierarchical structure for leadership
Maintains high standards	Focuses on ethics and obedience to God’s will
Wants results	Sets goals for spiritual development
Prefers formal structures	Enjoys conventional prayers and worship services
Asks “What?”	What does Holy Scripture have to say about this?
Seeks wisdom	Likes inspired preaching and teaching

RELATIONAL SELF

EXPLORER SELF

PRACTICAL SELF

Each brain style experiences God in unique ways.

• The Logicals know the Creator through Sacred Scripture.
  
  
• The Relationals are inspired by testimonials to desire a deeper union with the Divine.
  
  
• The Explorers seek Truth from a variety of sources.
  
  
• The Practicals trust the wisdom of religious traditions and follow an established path of faith.

Imagine your brain looking like a square that’s been divided into quadrants. Your brain’s pathways travel the easiest within the same vertical hemisphere—the Logical Left or Relational Right. With a little more effort, neural messages cross over horizontally to the other side to form a top and bottom half. The upper half values Intellectual Idealists, whereas the lower half admires Heart-led Helpers. However, the brain requires 100% more energy to communicate to the diagonally opposite corner. This means that the Logicals and the Relaters, as well as the Explorers and the Practicals often view each other as being their spiritual polar opposites.

Our challenge is learning how to appreciate a whole-brained approach to spirituality that respects all four perspectives. A whole-brained spirituality integrates and balances contrasting points of view. Moral and ethical principles are valued as well as compassionate responses. Visionary ideals are blended with practical realities to maintain faith communities.

One way religious leaders respond to contrasting spiritual needs is by offering varying types of faith activities. The Logicals and Practicals usually prefer traditional worship, whereas the Explorers and Relaters are drawn to contemporary expressions of prayer. Rather than require everyone to praise God in the same manner, participants can select from a variety of options. Choices may include Biblical or devotional studies, prayer and share discussion groups, contemplative meditation practices or opportunities for social service and advocacy.

Unfortunately, our differences can become polarized into extreme positions. Many religious conflicts emphasize one perspective over another--grace or good works, orthodox or heterodox teaching, individual conscience or established traditions, scripture or personal experience. Congregations typically have a low tolerance for members who express their spirituality in ways that diverge from the communal norm.

We live in a turbulent time in history where our discomfort with spiritual diversity divides not only families and congregations, but also nations. These conflicts have escalated to theologically justify international “holy wars.” Our human community faces increased risks if we’re unable to find ways to bridge our distinctive spiritualities and worldviews.

As Albert Einstein said, “ The problems we are causing can’t be resolved in the same state of consciousness in which we created them.” We’re called to respect the varieties of faith expression as complementary facets describing the same jewel we call God. Our survival as a species depends on our ability to use our whole, creative brain to discover new ways to honor how we think, relate and even, pray together.

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