Sunday, September 9, 2007

Consciousness



Perhaps one of the most theologically elusive and incomprehensible topics of discussion for me seems to be the subject of consciousness. Many years ago, while I was still a child, the most bothersome challenges to my faith were brought on by cosmology and the many theories of universal origins and ultimate fate generated by this scientific field of study. Well, exposing myself to the works of many theistic cosmologists and physicist (not to mention the Jesuits at the Vatican Observatory) has helped quell some of those misunderstandings, and has added clarity and dimension to more advanced propositions in circulation today. In subsequent years, the cosmology provocations have been taken up by the challenges and advancements in the biology demesne, specifically neurology. This seems to be the field in which atheistic intellectuals have their blaring hullabaloo. There is SO MUCH atheistic literature on this topic that I can scarcely recall the name of an author with respectable credentials that has written intelligently on this subject matter.

The irreligious have many theoretical propositions to explain the origins of consciousness, but in a nutshell, they believe that evolution alone can be credited with this phenomenon, even though consciousness remains largely unexplainable. "God" is an exanimate and anachronistic invention of the human brain, and a hindrance in the sociological development of mankind (let's not even bring up the laughable, hopeful expectation of an after life). Evolution does not contradict (in my case) Christian doctrine. As a matter of fact, Teilhard de Chardin saw evolution as something sacred, and not just a mere biological process. But what does bother me is the muted response by theologians and other theistic individuals to the atheist assertions of God, neurology, and the potential amalgamation of these two ideas.

Where are you guys? Is this not of interest or importance to you? Why don't you attempt to explain what the soul is, how it relates to neurology, and what survivable aspect of the human being continues after death? There is a thirst for answers not just with myself, but on the part of other struggling explorers who want closure to these questions. If neurology is the one place where the athiest have you at their intellectual mercy, then please say so, that way I can stop asking the same questions over and over again. If, however, you have not been defeated, then share your wisdom and knowledge, so I may come to know God as you know Him.

Tom

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