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 - https://www.prosoponhealing.com/
📒 A summary of her research on clergy sexual abuse in Orthodox Church- https://clergysexualmisconduct.substack.com/p/july-digest-independent-studies-highlight
📒 A longer detailed interview about clergy-perpetrated abuse in the Orthodox Church - https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/hermina-nedelescu-clergy-perpetrated-sexual-abuse-sjbn/
📒 A sermon on the biblical meaning of forgiveness - https://youtu.be/Lz_WS5PPhRw?si=ZfZCmYzKg2CgLnN1
📒 Science and Theology presentations links- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZPYFkECdQY, https://youtu.be/-APCEJAYrUA?si=03mCzFCUpvks__Mw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14wuOj6Vij4

BOOK suggestions:
📚 Church of Our Granddaughters by Dr. Carrie Frederick Frost
📚 Soul Mending: The Art of Spiritual Direction by John Chryssavgis
📚 Stages of Faith by James Fowler

Your sister in Christ,
Dr. Ioana

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