Reading: 9-3 Hardwired to Connect

Although people with loving, Christian parents do make choices that lead to prison, unhealthy home
environments are more closely linked to criminal behavior. But why do abuse and neglect predispose
children toward deviancy as adults?

A major scientific research paper sheds light on how human beings are biologically designed to se ek
nurturing relationships and spiritual purpose, and how the absence of these beneficial influences
adversely affects brain development.

Crime is always a moral choice and cannot be outright excused by environmental factors. However, this
study helps us understand how upbringing relates to the empathy deficits seen in prisoners and how
the power of the Gospel brought by caring volunteers can help transform lives.

The study, called Hardwired to Connect: The New Scientific Case for Authoritative Communities, was
conducted by the Commission on Children at Risk, a team of 33 pediatricians, research scientists,
mental health specialists, and youth service professionals. The co-sponsors were Dartmouth Medical
School, YMCA of the USA, and the Institute for American Values.

From this research, the Commission has published three key findings with important applications for
prison ministry:

1.Finding: "Humans are hardwired to form relationships." At the genetic level, human beings
seem designed to form deep, lasting, nurturing attachments to others. Even hormones support
the formation of relationships. Caring for and engaging intimately with others, for example,
causes spikes in the levels of oxytocin (a bonding hormone that causes feelings of contentment)
and depresses levels of testosterone (an aggression hormone).

Application: Our relational ministry to prisoners matters. While programming is important,
nothing can replace the impact of the person-to-person connection we offer as volunteers. Even
though trauma, shame, guilt, or distrust may warp prisoners' natural instincts for intimacy, we
will see results as we patiently share the love of Christ with prisoners.

2.Finding: "The presence or absence of a nurturing environment during childhood alters
brain development." When a child has a secure and highly nurturing environment, she actually
develops brain circuitry that helps her cope well with stress and bond easily with others.
Conversely, when a child grows up in an insecure and non-nurturing environment, the child's
brain develops a greater sensitivity to stress and an incapacity to form nurturing relationships.

Application: Our ministry to families matters. During early childhood and adolescence,
young people learn altruism and empathy from adult role models, or they learn distrust and
hostility. That's why our efforts to reconcile and strengthen families through Angel Tree(r)
Christmas, parenting workshops, and special family events are so crucial. As we support the
development of secure, nurturing families, we increase the chances of success for the rising
generation.