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53. Fingerprints and Irises

2nd January 2000 by Arthur Eedle

Where do we come from? How did we get here? Where are we going?  What’s it all about? These are commonly asked questions, and the world has sought its own answers. Men of God in the early Christian era asked the same questions, and sought answers in Holy Writ, coupled with the logic of experience.

The Eastern Fathers, Jerome and Hilary, believed in Creationism, in other words that God creates each person at the time of their conception or birth. (They never could decide which!)

The Western Fathers, Gregory of Nyassa, and Tertullian, believed in Traducianism, in other words that Adam bore within him the germ of all mankind. His soul was the fountain head of all souls. As the body is derived from the parents’ bodies, so the soul is derived from the parents’ soul by natural generation.

The Alexandrine School, headed by Origen, believed in Pre-existence, in other words all human souls were created at the beginning, before all worlds, as spirit beings, who throughout the ages have come down to this earth to spend a brief sojourn in the “shadowlands” of the earth.   The early church was mainly of Origen’s persuasion until AD 543, when it was thrown out by Justinian and a Council of Constantinople. Since then, the Traducian theory has held sway, as a result of Augustine’s scholarship. But most believers do not think this through, and when confronted by the three possibilities, are either bemused or thrown into a flat spin. Spare a few moments to consider.

If we are the sole product of our parents, then certain characteristics should logically follow. For example, there should be a distinct likeness between the children of large families, not just physically, but also in personality and temperament. But this is not found to be the case. In our own family of four children we have watched the development of vast differences in personality from their earliest years. Likewise, although all have a firm belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, their manner of displaying this belief is equally variable.

In the Old Testament, in the line of the Kings of Judah, we observe Jehoshaphat the son of Asa (a good king of a good king),Manasseh son of Hezekiah (a bad king of a good king), Josiah son of Amon (a good king of a bad king), and Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim (a bad king of a bad king).  We also observe, going back further in history, the marked difference between Jacob and Esau, even though they were twins. And what about Cain and Abel? I suppose there are many other similar examples to cast doubts on the Traducian theory.

In more recent times we have been presented with the teachings of the French “Enlightenment School”, and in particular Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) who wrote the fictional story of “Emile”, (1762) with his “ideal unfallen human nature” which had to be nurtured in a perfect environment to produce Emile’s perfect manhood. But all such experiments fail dismally in practice. Faulty humans cannot produce perfect offspring, even in a perfect environment. (And what exactly is that?)

Mike Phillips, a popular Christian writer in the United States, thinks along Traducian lines, and has written books expressing concepts little removed from the secular mind-set of Rousseau. “Goodness is intrinsic to man’s nature, sin is not” he avers. “There are huge caverns of wonderful goodness within every individual you meet,” he says. Elsewhere he maintains that his sons are like lumps of clay for him to mould into whatever shape he wishes. “As parents they will largely determine many of the characteristics their child will grow up to manifest. They can mould him into any shape they choose.” And further – “If we want him to turn out a certain way, then we must visualize him that way, believe in that vision, and act so as to bring it to fulfilment . . . ‘loving’ our children is not a sufficient goal to yield a workable plan.”  [Quotations from “Blueprint for raising a child”,(1978), “333 Good Things to Remember” (1993) and “A God to call Father.” (1994)]

All such theories lead to the faulty concept of “possession.” Phillips’ sons were considered his own property, to fashion as he pleased, because they derived from him, body and soul. But more reflective thinkers have realised that children are not our property, they are only lent to us by God for care and nurture until they fly the family nest. Dr Archibald Hart made the point admirably when he wrote “The old idea that a child is born tabula rasa, – a “blank slate” on which his or her environment “writes” a personality – is now out of date. Most researchers agree that each human being comes into the world with a distinct personality and a unique response to his or her environment.” [From “Stress and your child.” (1992)] Comes into the world? From whence?

Here then is the answer. Not that we understand the mysteries of human origin and development in anything like fullness, but at least we have been able to eliminate some illogical (and non-biblical) thought patterns. Each one of us is a unique creation of God.  Each one will become part of a divine symphony consisting of untold numbers of musical instruments, and sweetly blending harmonies (rather than a boring single note produced by what some would view as a blessed “unity”.) Or, to change the picture, each one of us will ultimately be seen as a coloured thread woven into a magnificent tapestry of exquisite design, the art-work of our Creator God, (rather than just a piece of plain weave.)

Peter tells us that we are “Living stones for a spiritual temple” (1 Peter 2:5), and Paul refers to us as “Members of the body of Christ.” (1 Cor.12:12) But it is common knowledge that to build a temple, one needs stones of many different types, shapes, and sizes. Likewise, a human body is composed of myriads of cells, organs, blood vessels, glands, bones, and flesh, rather than all parts being the same. All this is part of the mystery of God’s creation, infinite variety within a complex unity too wonderful for us to comprehend.

The Lord told Job that when He created the world, “the stars sang together.” (Job 38:7) Daniel tells us, “those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars”. (Dan.12:3) Paul tells us that in resurrection many will shine like the stars, and “star differs from star in glory.” (1 Cor.15:41) And the Psalmist informs us that “God tells the number of the stars, and calls them all by name”. (Ps.147:4)

In “The Problem of Pain” [page 137, Fount paperback edition] C.S.Lewis says that overcomers will receive a white stone on which is a secret new name. “What can be more a man’s own than this new name, which even in eternity remains a secret between God and him? And what shall we take this secrecy to mean? Surely, that each of the redeemed shall forever know and praise some one aspect of the divine beauty better than any other creature can. Why else were individuals created, but that God, loving all infinitely, should love each differently? And this difference, so far from impairing, floods with meaning the love of all blessed creatures for one another, the communion of the saints.”

How precious is each one of us to our Creator God. How magnificent is the variety within humankind. We are told that each has a unique set of Fingerprints, and a unique pattern in the eye’s Iris, by which one’s identity can be vouched for with certainty. And so it is with our souls, our personalities, which although unseen, declare us to the world as individuals. How can anyone consider taking such material to try to mould it according to his own design, to fashion his children according to his own will? What a terrifying responsibility it is to become parents. How easy it is to disfigure the unique creation of God within a small child by unloving handling. How dearly God views and watches over his “little ones”, whose angels are constantly before the face of the Lord.


 

My wife and I believe there is more evidence for Pre-existence than Creationism. Maybe you would like to express your thoughts on this topic?

 

Filed Under: The Wayside Pulpit Tagged With: Science Topics

About Arthur Eedle

Arthur was born in 1931, and became a Christian in 1948. At London University he gained a 2nd honours degree in Physics. He went on to get a Teaching Diploma, and throughout his career life taught physics in England, Kenya, and Hong Kong. Coupled with his love of science, he was a keen student of Greek and Hebrew, and gave many lectures on Biblical subjects. Read more

The Wayside Pulpit

1. Introduction

11th May 1999 By Arthur Eedle

2. Rave Music

13th May 1999 By Arthur Eedle

3. “I know you”

13th June 1999 By Arthur Eedle

4. God of all men

15th June 1999 By Arthur Eedle

5. Truth and Error

21st June 1999 By Arthur Eedle

6. Ruth Prince

2nd July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

7. Talking Trees

3rd July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

8. Dangers of rock music

6th July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

9. True Worship

9th July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

10. A wonderful building

11th July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

11. Traits of the self-life

15th July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

12. 100 Pianos

28th July 1999 By Arthur Eedle

13. “Much more” & “No more”

5th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

14. Evangelism and the second advent

8th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

15. Tribute to Ron Wyatt

10th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

16. The opening of the Kansas Senate in the USA

12th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

17. The face of feminism

14th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

18. The second coming of Elijah

19th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

19. Mellowing with age

21st August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

20. The rationality of the Christian faith

24th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

21. The first and the lost

28th August 1999 By Arthur Eedle

22. The coming of the Lord

2nd September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

23. “I am coming tomorrow!”

4th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

24. Living stones for a spiritual temple

7th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

25. Rosh Hashana – the feast of trumpets

10th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

26. A Tribute to the Rock-Badger’s Family

14th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

27. The Cursed Fig Tree

17th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

28. “Tell me the old, old story”

19th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

29. A Sovereign Work

22nd September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

30. Today is the Secret of Tomorrow

24th September 1999 By Arthur Eedle

31. Neatly Packaged Boxes and Illuminated Signposts

1st October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

32. “In danger of hell fire”

3rd October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

33. The Silent Witness

5th October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

34. The Lesson of Amos

8th October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

35. The Great Tribulation

11th October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

36. “Until”

14th October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

37. The Unnerving Power of Tradition

18th October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

37a. The Explorer

19th October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

38. The Dart Family

22nd October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

39. “Nothing new under the Sun”

31st October 1999 By Arthur Eedle

40. “When the Stars begin to fall”

1st November 1999 By Arthur Eedle

41. The Coming of the Christ

3rd November 1999 By Arthur Eedle

42. “Like unto Moses.”

6th November 1999 By Arthur Eedle

43. “Sweet Revenge!”

7th November 1999 By Arthur Eedle

44. The Second Coming

14th November 1999 By Arthur Eedle

45. Forgiveness & Punishment

23rd November 1999 By Arthur Eedle

47. The Pattern and Purpose of the Cherubim

2nd December 1999 By Arthur Eedle

48. The Unforgivable Sin

4th December 1999 By Arthur Eedle

49. Japhah, the Beautiful One

5th December 1999 By Arthur Eedle

50. Resurrection by Judgement

11th December 1999 By Arthur Eedle

51. “The Saviour of Mankind”

17th December 1999 By Arthur Eedle

52. “Bad Associations corrupt Good Customs”

29th December 1999 By Arthur Eedle

53. Fingerprints and Irises

2nd January 2000 By Arthur Eedle

54. Cats, Dogs and Philodendrons

4th January 2000 By Arthur Eedle

55. The Second Eve

15th January 2000 By Arthur Eedle

56. The Illuminati

22nd January 2000 By Arthur Eedle

57. The Dark Day of May 19th 1780

24th January 2000 By Arthur Eedle

58. Hidden Significances

26th January 2000 By Arthur Eedle

59. “Before”

5th February 2000 By Arthur Eedle

60. When “shall” becomes “will”

10th February 2000 By Arthur Eedle

61. The Death of the Husband

13th February 2000 By Arthur Eedle

63. St. Paul the Abortion

25th February 2000 By Arthur Eedle

64. The Moral Dilemma

27th February 2000 By Arthur Eedle

65. The Moral Dilemma. A Personal Answer

1st March 2000 By Arthur Eedle

66. The Moral Dilemma. A Second Answer

4th March 2000 By Arthur Eedle

67. The Joy of our Salvation

11th March 2000 By Arthur Eedle

68. The love of God

16th March 2000 By Arthur Eedle

69. The Windows of the Soul

28th March 2000 By Arthur Eedle

70. Vision & Prophecy

2nd April 2000 By Arthur Eedle

71. Confusion

12th April 2000 By Arthur Eedle

72. Creation’s Vanity

18th April 2000 By Arthur Eedle

73. “Friend, move up higher!”

2nd May 2000 By Arthur Eedle

74. The Last Generation

25th May 2000 By Arthur Eedle

75. The House of the Soul

29th May 2000 By Arthur Eedle

76. The Opening of the Sheath

1st June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

77. Possession

2nd June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

78. Ancestral Bondage

5th June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

79. The State of the Dead

7th June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

80. Professor William Barclay

10th June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

81. The Unacceptable Face of Universalism

12th June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

82. No Escape from the Fire

21st June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

83. My Help

22nd June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

84. Our Stories

27th June 2000 By Arthur Eedle

85. Filling up that which is lacking

9th July 2000 By Arthur Eedle

86. Road Rage

15th July 2000 By Arthur Eedle

87. Immanuel

19th July 2000 By Arthur Eedle

88. Daughters of Thunder

27th July 2000 By Arthur Eedle

89. Casting off all Restraint

1st August 2000 By Arthur Eedle

90. Food, glorious Food!

3rd August 2000 By Arthur Eedle

91. The Kindly Laws of the Old Testament

7th August 2000 By Arthur Eedle

92. Resurrection

2nd September 2000 By Arthur Eedle

93. More about Resurrection

15th September 2000 By Arthur Eedle

94. “With what body do they come?”

22nd September 2000 By Arthur Eedle

95. One Helluva Hole

9th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

96. A Whale of a Tale

10th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

97. The Hallelujah Chorus

11th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

98. “It never even entered my mind.”

16th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

99. A Passionate Plea for Truth

18th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

100. Warfare in the Heavenlies

20th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

101. “The Lamb and Flag”

27th October 2000 By Arthur Eedle

102. Souls of men

1st November 2000 By Arthur Eedle

103. Sacrifice

4th November 2000 By Arthur Eedle

106. For whom did Christ die?

16th December 2000 By Arthur Eedle

107. “I cannot tell . . . but this I know.”

18th December 2000 By Arthur Eedle

108. The Great Cloud of Witnesses

19th December 2000 By Arthur Eedle

109. The law of circularity

10th January 2001 By Arthur Eedle

110. James Relly & John Murray

13th January 2001 By Arthur Eedle

Article Series

  • All our Yesterdays (30)
  • Before He comes (13)
  • God's Spoken Word (37)
  • Mysteries of Science & Faith (8)
  • New Series (101)
  • Newsletter (2)
  • Original Series (109)
  • Prophecy considerations (5)
  • Recognising the Hand of Judgment (33)
  • Resurrection and Change (16)
  • Seekers Corner (14)
  • Simple Statements on Serious Subjects (6)
  • The City of God (18)
  • The Millennial Octave (23)
  • The Restitution Times (22)
  • The Song of Solomon (6)
  • The Standard (19)
  • The Wayside Pulpit (107)
  • The Wayside Pulpit 2015 (96)
  • The Wellspring (101)
  • The Wellspring 2017 (55)

Index of Topics

Arthur & Rosalind Eedle's Personal Testimonies Discipleship Expository Items Good and Evil Human Pre-Existance Jane Leade. Philadelphian Numerology in the Bible Quotations from other Authors Resurrection and the Change Ron Wyatt. Archaeology Science Topics The Kingdom of God the Millennium and the Return of Christ The Sabbath Day Universal Reconcilliation

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