"I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image. "
- Stephen Hawking
This quote from the one of the most brilliant people on the planet appeared on my homepage this morning. I had to read it twice to make sure I was understanding what Mr. Hawking was suggesting... What is he thinking?
I feel sorry for this genius trapped in a humbled, broken body. His halting vocal communications via computer are equally fascinating and painful to behold. He has a view of the universe that makes most mere mortals shrink back to the rudiments of simple arithmetic and basic syllogisms. His writings really do reflect the magnificence of the Creator that he is too intelligent to believe in. Yep! He's an atheist.
Yet, even this quote reflects a certain longing for a Creator/creature type of worldview. A computer virus -- life? Even a common virus -- Is it life worthy of dignity and redemption?
I'm pulling out two books to re-read during the holiday break. The first is "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. I know, I know... why read a horror story during the holiday season? If you've never read it, then I challenge you to pick it up and discover that the true horror of this story is theological in nature -- a creature trying to be reconciled with it's creator. Sound familiar?
The second is an older and more difficult tome to find from R.C. Sproul entitled "In Search Of Dignity." Sproul is a theologian and writes about the human condition from a more reformed theological perspective, BUT it is a powerful treatise on why life is so precious, unique, God-created, and worthy of dignity.
If you haven't ever read them, I encourage you to give them a go. If you have trouble finding them, the links below will get you there.
Lord, help us to stay far away from the description of man in Romans 1:22 -- "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."
Selah.
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