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CHAPTER TWENTY
IN OUR IMAGE, IN
OUR LIKENESS
5. KNOWLEDGE6
Unlike the animals, human beings are capable of acquiring knowledge. The vast reservoir
of knowledge that we have accumulated in the past century alone has expanded to a level that
is virtually incomprehensible to the average man. Quantum physics, laser technology, virtual
reality, nuclear fission, global communications, personal computers, jet engines, television,
and supercomputers are all words and phrases that have become common in our society. We have
landed astronauts on our satellite, the moon, and safely brought them home. We have landed
space ships on Mars, and have sent probes beyond the limits of our solar system. We have
discovered distant galaxies billions of light-years from Earth, and have developed
microscopes that can see the most minute virus. We have unleashed the awesome power of the
atom, and have developed computer microprocessing chips so efficient that they can perform
billions of instructions every second.
Medical research has produced almost mind-boggling possibilities. We have cloned
animals, transplanted internal organs, performed laser surgery, created workable prosthetics,
and developed machines that take x-rays, resonance images, sonograms, and monitor the heart,
the brain, and other organs. Dialysis cleanses our bodies, while heart bypasses and
chemotherapy adds years to our already increasing life expectancy. Genetic research, new
drugs, bio-research, and new medical treatments hold promise for an even greater future.
The explosion of knowledge in our modern technological society is an important
development in the progression of our culture. In fact, it would be difficult to envision
our technically dependent society without these advances. The progress that we have made has
virtually transformed our planet into a global community. Even the remotest regions of the
world will not remain isolated much longer.
With the advancements and the knowledge that we have acquired, mankind can no longer
hide behind the pretense of ignorance. We are now fully aware of the consequences of our
actions - whether it is recognizing our impact on the environment or the destructive
capability of our weapons. It remains to be seen whether mankind's wisdom has kept pace with
the technological advancements that we have made.
There is another type of knowledge that only mankind possesses. We are aware that
life is only temporary, and that death is inevitable. We are also aware of an afterlife.7
This knowledge of death and an afterlife may give us a sense of purpose, or the inclination
to reflect upon our lives. While animals act mainly on instinct and the need to fulfill
their immediate desires, we are capable of looking beyond our current situation. We are
also aware that our actions today may have consequences later in life and beyond our
Earthly departure.
NOTES:
6. Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, Vol.I.
(New York, London, and Edinburgh: Fleming H. Revell Company, n.d.), p.10
7. Hugh Ross, Genesis One: A Scientific Perspective, Rev. Ed.
(Pasadena, CA: Reasons To Believe, 1983), p.13
(These are selected paragraphs within this chapter. This is not the entire chapter.)
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