Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God's Image

The title is what caught my attention. I have often wondered just what is meant by Psalm139:13-14 that says we are FEARFULLY and wonderfully made. I had never heard of Dr.Brand before. He died in 2003. His life long compassion and continual loving for the poor and sickly in India and throughout the world impacted many in his lifetime and still does. His medical understanding of the human body and it’s amazing abilities are inspirational and motivational. His service to others throughout the world is an example we can all be motivated by, This is a fascinating and uplifting book that reveals the amazing workings of our bodies. We are all “walking miracles” regardless of our circumstances. This is a book of mysteries, awe, appreciation, and hope. For those who have contempt for themselves and their bodies, hopefully this book will give new awakening and desire to embrace and accept ourselves as never before. Knowledge is powerful!

Want to understand the passages in the Bible about leprosy more? Want to marvel at God's design in ways you can't foresee? Pick up this book. So well written, so engaging, so humble and knowledgeable at the same time. Just buy it.

Dr Brand gives such amazing insight into how our bodies were created and function, and what a powerful, life-transforming connection he makes to how each of us can function in the church, the body of Christ!

Read the Book a few years ago. It stuck with me. Had to get it again. A very enjoyable read. Thinking about who I can give it to. A blend of biology, physiology, philanthropy, medical missions and how God and spiritual principles relate to how the systems in our body work together

3.5 starsA really interesting book that weaves together stories from Dr Brand's life including experiences as a doctor working with leprosy patients, interesting facts about the human body and how it works, and parallels between our human body and the church. It's not heavy reading at all and I think Yancey got the balance just right. There were also interesting lessons and insights for the church to be gained from how our body works.

In 1966, the movie Fantastic Voyage took us on a journey through the human body. The premise of actually being able to view our bodies internally was intriguing. But, of course, that was science fiction. Through the eyes of physician Paul Brand and the keen writing skills of Philip Yancey, we are now able to learn more about how we tick than ever before. From our skin to our bones to our blood, our bodies are intricately woven in a way that makes us stand in awe. There is no textbook language here. Think poetic. The next layer of understanding involves using these physical concepts metaphorically to help us with spiritual truths. For instance, Yancey states, “From the skin, I better understand the one requirement on the frontline of the spiritual Body: to sensitively perceive the people we contact.” He calls “touch” the most trustworthy sense. “Skin provides a more basic kind of perception than what passes through the eye or ear—a tactile perception compiled from thousands of sensors...The best, most effective kind of love begins with...a tactile awareness that senses a need and responds appropriately and personally.” The final layer of truth in each chapter is a personal story meant to illustrate the other two concepts. My favorite is the story of Mrs. Twigg. For two hours in the middle of the night the doctor had to put thumb pressure on a broken artery in Mrs. Twigg’s throat. If he had not done so, she would have died in minutes. The price to the doctor was the muscle strain on his hand. When it was over, he said, “She knew how my muscles had suffered; I knew the depths of her fear (of dying). In those two hours in the slumberous hospital wing, we had become almost one person.” This book is hard to put down.

I first read this when I was in my twenties. I still teach from it in my 60's. Powerful book! It is engaging and enlightening.

After having my DS son, I struggled for the first time to believe Psalms 139. This "hallmark" verse was always easy in the past. . . 'we are fearfully and wonderfully made" - a perfect Christian bumper sticker. But now looking at my Joseph, did I believe he was also fearfully and wonderfully made with his extra chromosome? Or was he flawed, an opps? Thankfully a friend, not knowing my struggle, suggested this book and it was what I needed. The complexity of our design in all of its nuances is proof of our incredible Creator who plans each detail, each day without mistake.

So interesting and so well written, how our body works and how the body of Christ should work.

Dr Brand‘s thorough knowledge of human anatomy as a medical doctor and the way analogies are made to biblical truths makes the book a compelling read. The personal accounts of various individuals inspire me greatly.

Dr Brand and Yancey combine their story telling talents and this books does not leave you unchanged. Best read this year for me, hope it blesses you too!

This is a wonderful exposition of what an amazing creation man is. Each chapter explores the different functions of our bodies revealing the mysteries of how they work. The author then applies the lessons learned to the Body of Christ and the mystery of how God uses His children in the world He created.A warm, educational and informative read.

As a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, a retired nurse, an interest from childhood reading of Jesus touching the leper, and a great admirer of Dr Paul Brand, I've found this book beautifully inspiring & uplifting. Plus medically & spiritually profound. Thank you Philip Yancey & immense belated gratitude to Dr Paul Brand.