In his book Why Us? James Le Fanu lists five mysteries that a naturalistic view of human origins fails to explain:
Subjective awareness. No scientific theory accounts for how the electrical activity of our brains results in our experiencing so richly and coherently the greenness of grass, the rustling of leaves, and the song of a bird.
Free will. How does our nonmaterial mind influence our physical brain to choose one course of action over another?
Memory. How can we recall millions of experiences even though our brains have changed and developed since the experiences took place?
Reason and imagination. How is it that we can assess truth, imagine scenarios, and empathize with others?
The self. How does the same lump of gray matter in every person’s head (our brain) result in our uniquely different personalities?
“Let Us make human beings in Our image,” God said at the beginning of time (Genesis 1:26). “So God created human beings in His own image . . . male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).
You and I are more than mere matter. As St. Augustine understood it, the image of God in us is our rational, intellectual soul—a soul made as a reflection of a rational, personal God. That’s why we’re conscious and aware; that’s why our minds control our brains; that’s why we can reason and imagine. That’s also why we are unique, though made of the same material. The God who saw our unformed bodies and planned our days before birth (Psalm 139:16), knit us individually in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).
James Le Fanu doesn’t write from a religious standpoint, so his conclusion that science shouldn’t dismiss religion is refreshing. And why not? God is the key to the riddle of human existence.
More:
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it (Psalm 139:14).
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When did you last reflect on the miracle that is your life? In what ways does being made in God’s image inspire you?
purestrength on September 12, 2010 at 9:56 am
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14 I often say this to myself and others as I reflect on the capabilities of the bodies that God has given to us. I especially say this when I see God work His healing in our bodies. It is even fascinating to me that our skin can grow back and heal when we get a cut. God recently removed a cancerous cell on my arm. I prayed that He would and He did. Thank you God for loving us and making us in your image.