I just finished my capstone paper for the Proverbs class focused on the heart.  It was an amazing study.  I had no idea how much the Bible speaks to the heart as the core of our full inner being.  Even though postmoderns might claim that the writers of Scripture actually were referring to the upper cortex or higher brain functions when they talked about the heart, I may disagree to some extent.  Yes, the higher brain functions to form beliefs, values, etc. but, its more than an academic construct.  There is feeling, passion and emotion with our faith and that must come from more than our logical side.  It is no wonder that the Sages teach the young to 'guard diligently' the heart for from it comes all the issues of life.

This week, for my capstone paper, I've been drilling down into various articles and pop media references to the heart and it's sway on decisions in life.  I'm amazed at how prevalent the idea of simply going with one's heart is for our culture.  Of course, by context, I think they mean feelings.  Comparing that with the many, many Biblical references to the heart (some 900 references!), it is clear that the heart may lead us up or down depending on a number of factors.  Overall, however, a heart not regenerated and made new by God is going to lead us down the wrong way if we blindly follow!