Christian athletes tend to embrace one of the most successful and widespread errors in all of science – the Triune Brain Theory. Although this theory is mythical at this point, not grounded in science or faith, Christian athletes are drawn to it for one main reason: surface-level resemblance to the concept of a Triune God. This similarity can create a subtle confirmation bias, making the idea of a “triune brain” feel spiritually aligned, even though it lacks both scientific validity and theological grounding.

The Appeal: A Triune Brain for a Triune God?

The main reason Christian athletes often accept the Triune Brain Theory is simple: it mirrors the language of our faith.

As believers in a Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we’re naturally drawn to patterns of “three.” So when we hear about a brain made of three parts: the reptilian brain, mammalian brain, and neocortex, it feels strangely familiar. It sounds ordered, purposeful, and even spiritually aligned. This creates a powerful form of confirmation bias, where we accept ideas more easily simply because they seem to fit our worldview.

But in this case, the similarity is only superficial. The triune brain is not triune in the way God is. And it’s not scientifically true.

What Neuroscience Really Says

According to modern neuroscience, the brain is not made of three stacked evolutionary layers. 

Here’s the truth:

• The brain operates as a highly interconnected system.
• Areas like the amygdala (often mislabeled the “lizard brain”) do play a role in detecting threats, but they work in concert with other areas like the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and self-control.
• Emotion and reason are not housed in separate “layers” but are deeply intertwined throughout the brain.

As Hope Not Nope (p. 39) explains:

“The brain, although it has different areas, is not three brains or a triune brain; rather, it is one brain that shows us the greatest example of teamwork.”

This model fits much better with how God actually designed the human body: not in conflict with itself, but working in unity and purpose.

Final Thoughts

The Triune Brain Theory is appealing, especially to those of us who see the world through a theological lens. But a biblical worldview is not built on what feels true, it’s built on what is true.

You don’t have three brains. You have one God-given brain, fully capable of emotion, reason, and self-control. Use it, not to blame, but to become the athlete and person God designed you to be. Interested in learning more about why Christian athletes need to stop blaming the lizard brain? [Click here.]

FAQ

1. What is the Triune Brain Theory?
The Triune Brain Theory proposes that humans have three evolutionary brain layers — reptilian, mammalian, and neocortex — each responsible for different behaviors. Modern neuroscience has debunked this idea, showing that the brain works as an integrated whole, not separate parts.

2. Why do Christian athletes find the Triune Brain Theory appealing?
Many Christian athletes resonate with it because it mirrors the structure of the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This resemblance can create confirmation bias, making the concept feel spiritually aligned, even though it’s not supported by science or theology.

3. What does modern neuroscience actually say about the brain?
Research shows that emotion, reason, and self-control are not divided into layers but work together across interconnected brain systems. The brain reflects unity, not separation — a better picture of how God designed the body to function with purpose and harmony.

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Author: 

Dr. Dillon Caswell, PT, DPT, SCS

Doctor of Physical Therapy | Board Certified Sports Specialist

Hope Evangelist | Top-Selling Author & Speaker | Human Performance Expert