The amygdala is an almond shaped cluster within the limbic system of the brain. The amygdala is responsible for the detection and response to threats. When our senses are stimulated, the amygdala helps assign emotional significance ranging from love to fear or anger. When an emotional stimulus is out of proportion with our response to it, this process is called an amygdala hijack.
If we perceive the world as threat, then we stop thinking with our prefrontal cortex. Through fear, we will either flee from the world or fight against it. Anger is often the result of fear. When not regulated, the amygdala contributes to a sense of a frightening authoritative God.
