Do we age faster if we sin more?

[Dave]

What do you think?

Dave

 

[Josheb]

Do we age faster if we sin? What do you think?

Dave

Definitely.

Take, for example, the matter of anger. Anger is a fear-based emotion and scripture tells us human anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God (Jms. 1:20). Perfect love casts out fear; fear has to do with punishment. Physiologically speaking, fear and/or anger produces demonstrably observable changes in the body (given the right equipment to measure such things). Neuro-transmitters, such as the "stress hormones" adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine flood the body producing increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and vigilance. The fight-or-flight mechanism is triggered, and the sympathetic nervous system takes priority over the parasympathetic nervous system (the latter being the one we use when we feel safe and secure, the one we use to solve complex problems and employ relationship skills). Relationally speaking, that state of arousal prohibits close, intimate, collaborative relationship (such as that we're supposed to have with God, our spouse, our children, close friends, etc.). The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) runs through all the nooks and crannies of our brain, and goes down the neck, detours briefly to surround the heart muscle and then continues into the abdomen where it surrounds and weaves in and out of the places between every single organ in the gut. What we've learned in recent years is that much more information goes to the brain from the gut than the other way around! When the PNS is off-line all that information the gut sends the brain is changed or simply not sent/received. We, in essence, become disconnected from our bodies. The same thing happens even worse in the brain. With the SNS online the various parts of the brain stop talking to one another. We can't process information the same and the faculties of recall, speech, time perception, problem solving, and more do not communicate with each other. In extreme cases this causes poor decisions, such as suicidality...... which definitely shortens the lifespan. In more ordinary circumstances these and other hormones breakdown tissues in the body. When facing a real live lion or tiger the fight or flight system can be very powerful and effective, but it's not supposed to be a chronic state of existence. The effect of these chemicals is comparable to pouring a mild corrosive acid into the body. Long-term states are correlated to autoimmune diseases which, again, definitely shorten life.

I have singled out anger, but similar conditions exist with all sudden arousal of emotions. Even long-term arousal of joy can be detrimental. The perceived "need" for joy (or safety, or peace) often drives chemical and process "addictions."* Take a look at before and after photos of meth addicts, combat soldiers, or POTUSes .

So, yes, sin induces faster aging.








* The word "addiction" is not a clinical term. Clinically speaking the correct word is "dependence." a "process" addiction is any dependence on a non-chemical substance or condition (such as food, gambling, or pornography). The physical, cognitive, emotional, and relational changes in process dependence are similar to those of chemical dependence.

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[Josheb]

And Post 2 mentions only aspects of internal sin. When sin is visited upon someone by another person that, too, can have an adverse effect of one's healthy (physically and mentally) which, in turn, can have an adverse effect on aging.