top of page
Search
Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 128 min read

Does the Existence of the Mind Provide Evidence for God?

The Nature of the Mind and Consciousness


The existence of the mind, with its unique characteristics and immaterial nature, poses significant questions about its origins and the underlying cause of consciousness. In the debate between theism and naturalism, the theistic perspective posits that the finite minds we possess are best explained by the existence of a divine mind, namely God, who created them. This view contrasts sharply with naturalistic explanations, which struggle to account for the emergence and nature of consciousness through purely physical processes.


The mind, as commonly understood, consists of mental states such as sensations, thoughts, beliefs, desires, and volitions. These states exhibit features that distinguish them from physical states. First, there is a raw qualitative feel or "what it is like" to experience a mental state, such as the sensation of pain. This subjective experience, or qualia, cannot be fully captured by physical descriptions. Second, many mental states are intentional, meaning they are directed toward an object or about something, such as a thought about the moon. Third, mental states are inner, private, and immediate to the subject experiencing them. Lastly, mental states lack spatial extension and location, which are characteristic of physical states and are not easily described using physical language.



The Argument from Immaterial Conscious States


Given that conscious states are immaterial and not physical, the argument posits that naturalistic explanations are inadequate for explaining their existence. Naturalism suggests that the universe, prior to the appearance of consciousness, consisted only of particles and waves interacting within fields of forces. The naturalistic story of cosmic evolution describes how these atomic parts rearranged into more complex structures according to natural laws. However, the emergence of consciousness appears to be a case of something emerging from nothing, which naturalism struggles to explain.


Naturalistic explanations suggest that physico-chemical reactions in the brain generate consciousness, yet brains, like other parts of organisms, are collections of cells describable in physical terms. This raises the question of how physical causes can produce such radically different effects. The appearance of consciousness is unpredictable and inexplicable within the naturalistic framework, suggesting a significant rupture or discontinuity in the natural world.


The Inadequacy of Evolutionary Explanations


Evolutionary explanations attempt to account for the appearance of all organisms and their parts, including increasingly complex physical structures. However, evolution focuses on the outputs that provide reproductive advantages, not the internal processes that produce them. Consequently, the existence and content of conscious states fall outside the scope of evolutionary explanation. The conscious functions that organisms perform could theoretically be accomplished unconsciously, indicating that the mere existence of conscious states and their specific mental content are not adequately addressed by evolutionary theory.


Claiming that consciousness emerged from matter once it reached a certain level of complexity is not an explanation but merely a label for the phenomenon. The inadequacy of naturalistic and evolutionary explanations for the emergence and nature of consciousness leads to the consideration of theism as a more plausible explanation.



Theistic Explanation of Consciousness


The theistic argument posits that a conscious being, God, is the source of finite consciousness. This view is supported by the idea that it is easier to understand how a conscious being could produce finite consciousness than how consciousness could arise from brute, unconscious matter. The Bible provides insights into this perspective, emphasizing that God is a rational, intentional being who created humans in His image (Genesis 1:27). This image-bearing includes the capacity for rational thought, intentionality, and moral awareness, which align with the features of human consciousness.


Scripture supports the notion that the mind and consciousness are gifts from God. For instance, Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." This verse highlights the unique capacity for abstract thought and the awareness of eternity that God has placed within humans. Additionally, Psalm 139:14 declares, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." This acknowledgment of the intricacy and wonder of human creation points to a purposeful design by a conscious Creator.



The Immaterial Nature of the Mind


The immaterial nature of the mind aligns with the biblical understanding of the soul and spirit. Hebrews 4:12 explains, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." This distinction between soul, spirit, and physical body underscores the immaterial aspect of human consciousness.


Furthermore, the mind's intentionality, or the aboutness of thoughts, reflects the intentionality of God. In Jeremiah 29:11, God declares, "For I know the plans I have for you," indicating that God’s thoughts and plans are purposeful and directed toward His creation. Human intentionality, the ability to think about and direct thoughts toward objects and concepts, mirrors this divine characteristic.


Conscious States and Personal Experience


The personal and immediate nature of conscious states, being private and directly accessible only to the subject experiencing them, poses a challenge to naturalistic explanations. This inner subjective experience, often referred to as qualia, cannot be fully explained by physical processes. The Bible acknowledges this inner life in passages such as Psalm 139:1-2, "You have searched me, Jehovah, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar." This intimate knowledge of human thoughts by God points to the personal and immaterial nature of the mind.


Moreover, the Bible speaks of the transformation of the mind through spiritual renewal. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse highlights the transformative power of a mind aligned with God's will, further indicating the immaterial and spiritual aspects of human consciousness.



The Distinctiveness of Consciousness


Consciousness possesses distinctive features that set it apart from physical states. The absence of spatial extension and location, coupled with the inability to describe conscious states using physical language, supports the argument for their immaterial nature. Naturalistic explanations fall short in accounting for these characteristics. The Bible’s portrayal of the mind and spirit as immaterial aligns with this understanding. In John 4:24, Jesus teaches, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." This recognition of God's immaterial nature and the call for spiritual worship reflect the distinctiveness of consciousness.


The concept of the mind as immaterial and distinct from the physical body is further supported by 2 Corinthians 4:16, which states, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." This distinction between the outward, physical body and the inward, immaterial self underscores the unique nature of consciousness.



The Role of the Holy Spirit


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers through the inspired Word of God. As we pray and seek God's direction, it is essential to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures to understand His will. For example, in Psalm 119:105, we read, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the importance of Scripture in providing guidance and clarity in our lives. Just as praying for a job requires taking action by filling out applications, seeking God's guidance through the Holy Spirit involves diligently studying His Word and applying its truths to our circumstances.


The Holy Spirit also provides comfort to believers during times of distress. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." The comfort we receive from the Holy Spirit equips us to extend that same comfort to others. Engaging with Scripture allows us to understand and experience this divine comfort more deeply.


The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and leads us toward transformation through God's Word. John 16:8 says, "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." This conviction is a call to action, prompting us to align our lives with God's standards as revealed in Scripture. By studying and applying biblical teachings, we can respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction and experience genuine transformation in our lives.



Theological Implications of Consciousness


The existence of consciousness has profound theological implications. It suggests that humans are not merely physical beings but possess an immaterial aspect that reflects the nature of their Creator. This understanding aligns with the biblical teaching that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The capacity for rational thought, intentionality, and moral awareness are aspects of this image-bearing and point to a divine source.


Moreover, the moral aspect of human consciousness is emphasized in passages such as Romans 2:15, which states, "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This verse indicates that moral awareness and conscience are intrinsic to human nature, further supporting the argument for a divine origin of consciousness.


Consciousness and Free Will


The existence of free will is another aspect of consciousness that points to a divine source. The Bible affirms human free will and the ability to make moral choices. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 states, "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love Jehovah your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For Jehovah is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." This call to choose life reflects the belief in human free will and the capacity for moral decision-making.


Additionally, Joshua 24:15 emphasizes the importance of choice in serving God: "But if serving Jehovah seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve Jehovah." The emphasis on choice and commitment to serving God underscores the significance of free will as an aspect of human consciousness.


Conclusion


The existence of the mind and its unique characteristics provide compelling evidence for the existence of a divine mind as their source. The immaterial nature of conscious states, the inadequacy of naturalistic and evolutionary explanations, and the alignment with biblical teachings all point to a theistic explanation for consciousness. The Bible affirms the immaterial, intentional, personal, and morally aware nature of the mind, supporting the argument that consciousness is best explained by the existence of God.


By examining the nature of consciousness and its distinct features, it becomes evident that a purely naturalistic explanation falls short. Theism offers a coherent and compelling account of the origins and nature of consciousness, aligning with both common sense and biblical revelation. In light of the evidence, the existence of the mind indeed provides substantial support for the belief in God as the Creator of conscious beings.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


RECOMMENDED READING


19 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page