“The Origin of Consciousness”

"The Origin of Consciousness"

       

    Did an unconscious universe really evolve mere matter into a conscious and self aware being, namely, humanity?

    "I think" (I Corinthians 4:9).

   In any discussion with an atheist or even an agnostic, this is a pertinent and vital issue to raise.  Is our consciousness real as we all perceive it?  Or is it composed of nothing more than atoms arranged in a self replicating, but temporary order that will cease to exist when we die?  Are we deluded to think that we are something more than matter?  Are our hearts and minds merely things rather than transcendent realities that form personality?  When we think, believe, and choose, do we function as complex machines, or as beings who exist as something more than physical substance?  Any answer other than the complex machine response translates the consideration into the spiritual realm declared by the Bible to be the heart of truth and reality:

    "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life" (Job 33:4).

   Of course, modern atheists aggressively counter this proposal.  One wonders why, since their view of consciousness does not really allow for anyone to possess freedom of thought, understanding, and analysis.  We are all merely machines according to this view.  Our opinions are merely chemical and electrical movements of atomic and sub-atomic particles in our brains.  We are the products of our environment and the genetic material inherited from our ancestors.  I cannot be other than what I happen to be, as ordained by natural processes rather than a conscious, supernatural Being.  There should be no argument or animosity because without real consciousness, we are all merely devices without design or chosen determinations.  No one actually chooses thoughts or beliefs because no real freedom of thought or choice exists.  The atheist nevertheless often argues his point with those who differ, and often with much passionate antagonism.  Thus, he does not live by his own perspectives and beliefs.

   Bible believing Christians know and affirm the obvious reality.  We are conscious, as created and illuminated by our Maker, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our capacity for thought, emotion, and choice exists as something far more than merely physical substance.  We are more than matter.  We are personal rather than programmed.  Moreover, we make free determinations regarding how we will think about God, ourselves, other people, the world, and the quality of life we should live.  This renders us as responsible agents who reap the consequences of our choices, as truth and justice rightly decree.  A conscious Creator made conscious human beings in His image, a major portion of which involves our capacity for self awareness, but even more importantly, for God awareness.  This constitutes such obvious reality that it should require no discussion.  It does, however, and believers can confidently affirm the Truth that  everyone intuitively knows, and by which all live.  Yes, a conscious God made a genuinely consciousness humanity.

"The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations."

(Psalm 33:11)

"The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man."

(Psalm 94:11)

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."

(Psalm 14:1)

Weekly Memory Verse

   For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

(Ephesians 2:18)