MIND AND MATERIALISM

 

 

Is investigative or creative thought possible if we are simply a matter of biochemical reactions (materialism). These processes are predictable, formulaic, and cannot escape from their predetermined repetitive patterns into creative thought. Why? Because thought cannot be predetermined biochemically without automatically producing the same invariable patterns or results.

 

In contrast, vision, as amazing as it is, is the result of repetitive and precisely predetermined biochemical processes. They must be in order to precisely mirror the external world in real time. They cannot deviate or require thought, deliberations, and adjustments that are necessary for thoughtful discovery. Instead, seeing is a matter of precise formulaic repetitions of biochemical processes in predetermined sequences.

 

Thought is entirely different. We can command our mind to go where we want it to go. We cannot do that with sight. We cannot command our eyes to see what they do not see. They are accountable to a different system, as is our heartbeat, which is automatic.

 

In contrast, thought transcends biochemistry as does consciousness. Both require a level of freedom to perform.

 

These distinctions should discount materialism and open the door to something far grander. The many thousands of examples of ID pointing unmistakably to the existence of God, demonstrate the need for more than evidence, but a change of heart:

 

·       “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:19-21)

 

When we harden our heart against God, it is hardened against the truth in general, as we condemn ourselves to live in the darkness of denial, eternally running from the Light of God manifested throughout His creation and even our minds (John 3:19-20).