A Sad Example of the Evolutionary Mindset

We are indebted to our brother, Chuck R., for inadvertently putting us on to what is surely a sad example of the evolutionary mindset.  In an otherwise stimulating self-help book, the author of Healing Back Pain, Dr. John Sarno, renders this interesting (and rather pitiful!) observation in reference to his understanding of the human mind and immune system:

"Contemplation of the complexity of animal biology is awe inspiring and overwhelming.  It is impossible to imagine how something as complicated as we are came to be.  Little wonder that it took millions of years to evolve."

Since this is a relatively brief testimonial – but profound none-the-less – it is fairly simple to break down and analyze.

The author is one who believes in biological evolution.  He expresses similar sentiments in other places throughout the book.  He is also overwhelmed and awe-struck by the complexities of the marvelous autoimmune system that the body has to protect itself from disease and pain.  In this state of mind, the good doctor acknowledges that it is impossible to comprehend how it (and we) came into existence.

              In his overwhelmed state of mind, Sarno relates to an account of  life which has come to be called evolution.  This is actually quite insightful since, indeed, evolution as an explanation of origins is, by its very nature, overwhelming!

              If Dr. Sarno were willing, in his awe-inspired mindset, to look beyond himself toward the One who actually created him and his wonderful mind and immune system, he could then share the same sentiments as the Psalmist: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  (Psalm 139:14)

The intellect doesn’t necessarily lead us to faith; in fact, it frequently inhibits an individual from accepting it.  Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing comes by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). 

              In the name of “science,” Dr. Sarno has willingly chosen to limit himself when it comes to answering some of the most fundamental questions in life.  By holding to the notion of evolution as his preferred and exclusive method for scientific investigation and the creation of all things, he willingly blinds himself to that which is beyond the realm of a simple, straightforward, mechanical investigation.

              Such self-imposed reserve runs rampant in the community of science professionals who see their work as exclusively a naturalistic enterprise.  Although the naturalist tendency is frequently justified in scientific investigation, it should never become a person’s world-view to the exclusion of Supernatural information and experience.  Investigations into Relativity theory and Quantum Mechanics are rendering the old mechanical narrow-mindedness obsolete.  Sometimes it does pay to think outside the Box!

Consider the difference:  Overwhelming – indeed.  Impossible to imagine: Really?  Evolving over millions of years—How Incredible (in the truest sense of the word)!  Now hear the awe-inspiring tone of the Psalmist’s delight, and his reflection:

O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit or stand.  When far away you know my every thought.  You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest.  Every moment, you know where I am.  You know what I am going to say before I even say it.  You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.

          This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe!  I can never be lost to your Spirit!  I can never get away from my God!  If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there.  If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me.  If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me.  For even darkness cannot hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day.  Darkness and light are both alike to you.

          You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  It is amazing to think about.  Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.  You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion!  You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe.  Every day was recorded in your Book!

          How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly!  I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me.  And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me. . .!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts.  Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. 

(Psalms 139, Living Bible paraphrase)