In the West, we use the term "heart" to refer to many responses, including the emotions. Interestingly enough, the New Testament writers literally used a different part of the anatomy, the intestines, to express the seat of feelings.

In several places the Scriptures tell us that we are to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deut 6:5), a statement Jesus repeats in Matt 22:37 and corresponding references in the other Gospels. Undoubtedly what is expressed here is that God wants us to respond to Him with all we are and have, our total being. John in his first letter particularly urges us to both love God (who is love) and our brother from "the heart."

I think most psychologists would say that although some individuals and cultures emphasize one aspect over another, a truly healthy and mature person will find a balance between his intellectual responses and his emotional ones. The will is also vital in making decisions and carrying out purposes. I have discovered that people are not changed either by their intellectual discoveries or their emotional experiences but by their decisions.

It would be interesting to take a concordance and trace the use of the words translated "heart" in the New Testament. There are many, many references.

The "mind" is not neglected, either. Personally I find it tragic when an individual is almost exclusively emotionally motivated, without a corresponding intellectual development. They are at the mercy of their feelings which can be very changeable. At the same time, one who is almost totally intellectually oriented I find cold and unattractive.

It would be an interesting exercise to read the Gospels and note evidences of Jesus' use of his mind and the expressions of his emotionans. The same with Paul. Also David, especially in the Psalms.

I trust this approach to your observation is helpful, Kenneth.