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In the Likeness of God: The Dr. Paul Brand Tribute Edition of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image
The human body is a likeness of God, its design revealing insights into the church, the “body of Christ”
For bestselling author Philip Yancey, the late Dr. Paul Brand—the brilliant hand surgeon who devoted his life to the poorest people of India and Louisiana—was also a likeness of God, living the kind of Christian life that exemplified what God must have had in mind. In the Likeness of God combines the complete texts of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image—both Gold Medallion Award–winners which together have sold more than half a million copies—into one volume. Also included for the first time are eight beautiful litanies of praise on the human body by Dr. Brand.
In Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey explore the wonder of the human body and uncover the eternal statements that God has made in the very structure of our bodies. Their remarkable journey through inner space—the world of cells, systems, and chemistry—points to a still deeper unseen reality of God’s work in our lives. In His Image takes up where the first book leaves off. In five sections—Image, Blood, Head, Spirit, and Pain—the authors unlock the remarkable living lessons contained in our physical makeup.
For bestselling author Philip Yancey, the late Dr. Paul Brand—the brilliant hand surgeon who devoted his life to the poorest people of India and Louisiana—was also a likeness of God, living the kind of Christian life that exemplified what God must have had in mind. In the Likeness of God combines the complete texts of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image—both Gold Medallion Award–winners which together have sold more than half a million copies—into one volume. Also included for the first time are eight beautiful litanies of praise on the human body by Dr. Brand.
In Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey explore the wonder of the human body and uncover the eternal statements that God has made in the very structure of our bodies. Their remarkable journey through inner space—the world of cells, systems, and chemistry—points to a still deeper unseen reality of God’s work in our lives. In His Image takes up where the first book leaves off. In five sections—Image, Blood, Head, Spirit, and Pain—the authors unlock the remarkable living lessons contained in our physical makeup.
560 pages, Hardcover
Published August 15, 2004
13 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Paul W. Brand
16 books97 followersDr. Paul Wilson Brand, CBE (17 July 1914 – 8 July 2003) grew up in India, studied medicine in London, and practiced orthopedic surgery in India and the United States. He achieved world renown for his innovative techniques in the treatment of leprosy.
He was a pioneer in developing tendon transfer techniques for use in the hands of those with leprosy. He was the first physician to appreciate that leprosy did not cause the rotting away of tissues, but that it was the loss of the sensation of pain which made sufferers susceptible to injury. Brand contributed extensively to the fields of hand surgery and hand therapy through his publications and lectures, He wrote Clinical Mechanics of the Hand, still considered a classic in the field of hand surgery
He also wrote popular autobiographical books about his childhood, his parents' missionary work, and his philosophy about the valuable properties of pain. One of his best known books, co-written with Philip Yancey, is Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants (1993), republished in 1997 as The Gift of Pain.
Before his death in 2003, he received many honors, including the prestigious Albert Lasker Award and appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
He was a pioneer in developing tendon transfer techniques for use in the hands of those with leprosy. He was the first physician to appreciate that leprosy did not cause the rotting away of tissues, but that it was the loss of the sensation of pain which made sufferers susceptible to injury. Brand contributed extensively to the fields of hand surgery and hand therapy through his publications and lectures, He wrote Clinical Mechanics of the Hand, still considered a classic in the field of hand surgery
He also wrote popular autobiographical books about his childhood, his parents' missionary work, and his philosophy about the valuable properties of pain. One of his best known books, co-written with Philip Yancey, is Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants (1993), republished in 1997 as The Gift of Pain.
Before his death in 2003, he received many honors, including the prestigious Albert Lasker Award and appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 24, 2024
This volume contains two books: 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made', and 'In His Image'. They take the analogy of the Body of Christ, looking from a cellular level.
Paul Brand was a surgeon working on leprosy patients in India, and knows his subject well. He uses anecdotes to illustrate principles, and the whole is very well written, if a tad over-detailed for my tastes in a few places.
I was blown away the first time I read this; a little less so the second time, but would still highly recommend it.
Longer review on 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' after re-reading 16 years later: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Longer review of 'In His Image', made after re-reading nearly 17 years later: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Paul Brand was a surgeon working on leprosy patients in India, and knows his subject well. He uses anecdotes to illustrate principles, and the whole is very well written, if a tad over-detailed for my tastes in a few places.
I was blown away the first time I read this; a little less so the second time, but would still highly recommend it.
Longer review on 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' after re-reading 16 years later: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Longer review of 'In His Image', made after re-reading nearly 17 years later: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
April 3, 2011
I've been reading this in small doses for a long time, because there's so much depth and wisdom here. This particular edition (which I read on my Kindle) was actually a special edition combining two of Brand and Yancey's co-authored works: FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE and IN HIS IMAGE.
Dr. Paul Brand (1914-2003)was a world-renowned hand surgeon, leprosy physician, missionary and humanitarian who caught the attention of -- and became mentor to -- Christian writer/apologist Philip Yancey. Their relationship in producing this book was best described by Yancey himself: "As a journalist, I gave words to his faith. In exchange, he gave faith to my words."
I'm sure that it was especially meaningful to me because of having studied human anatomy in grad school. Others might get bogged down in the medical details, but I loved the way Brand brought the physical and spiritual worlds together as he reflected on the amazing human body and related it to the analogy, often used in the Bible, of Christ as the Head of the Body representing the Church. As Yancey reflects, this likeness "derives from their common source."
Yancey's respect and affection for Dr. Paul Brand was evident throughout this book: "You need only meet one saint to believe, to silence the noisy arguments of the world, and I had the inestimable privilege of spending leisurely hours getting to know a distinguished and faithful follower of Jesus. For that, Paul Brand, I thank you."
In this book, Brand moves through the body, from skeleton to skin to heart, reflecting on one miracle of Nature after another in terms of its precision, complexity, and marvelous function. Brand finds inspiration everywhere, along with evidence of a Creator with vision beyond imagining. He finds life and spiritual lessons not only in the normal workings of the body, but also by observing what happens when parts of the body do not work as they should, either because of disease, injury, or malfunction. He was particularly fascinated with leprosy and with the profound implications of a leper's inability to feel pain in his/her limbs.
"The fact of the body -- the worth of each of its parts -- is graphically revealed by a disease such as leprosy. The failure of one type of cell can bring on tragic consequences. One who studies the vast quantity of cells and their startling diversity can come away with the sense that each cell is easily expendable and of little consequence. But the same body that impresses us with specialization and diversity also affirms that EACH of its many members is valuable and often essential for survival. Interestingly, the worth of each member is also the aspect most often stressed in biblical imagery of the Body of Christ."
One of the things I enjoy about reading on a Kindle is that it's easy to underline/highlight sections and then go back to review them after I've finished the book. The highlighted notes alone are wonderful and inspiring as they weave the threads of Paul Brand's faith with his celebration of the miracle of the human body. It greatly strengthened my appreciation for my body and opened up thoughtful ways to connect the physical world around me with the spiritual world that I seek to know better.
Yancey's wonderful rendering of his mentor's thoughts also left me wishing more than anything that I could have known Dr. Paul Brand.
Dr. Paul Brand (1914-2003)was a world-renowned hand surgeon, leprosy physician, missionary and humanitarian who caught the attention of -- and became mentor to -- Christian writer/apologist Philip Yancey. Their relationship in producing this book was best described by Yancey himself: "As a journalist, I gave words to his faith. In exchange, he gave faith to my words."
I'm sure that it was especially meaningful to me because of having studied human anatomy in grad school. Others might get bogged down in the medical details, but I loved the way Brand brought the physical and spiritual worlds together as he reflected on the amazing human body and related it to the analogy, often used in the Bible, of Christ as the Head of the Body representing the Church. As Yancey reflects, this likeness "derives from their common source."
Yancey's respect and affection for Dr. Paul Brand was evident throughout this book: "You need only meet one saint to believe, to silence the noisy arguments of the world, and I had the inestimable privilege of spending leisurely hours getting to know a distinguished and faithful follower of Jesus. For that, Paul Brand, I thank you."
In this book, Brand moves through the body, from skeleton to skin to heart, reflecting on one miracle of Nature after another in terms of its precision, complexity, and marvelous function. Brand finds inspiration everywhere, along with evidence of a Creator with vision beyond imagining. He finds life and spiritual lessons not only in the normal workings of the body, but also by observing what happens when parts of the body do not work as they should, either because of disease, injury, or malfunction. He was particularly fascinated with leprosy and with the profound implications of a leper's inability to feel pain in his/her limbs.
"The fact of the body -- the worth of each of its parts -- is graphically revealed by a disease such as leprosy. The failure of one type of cell can bring on tragic consequences. One who studies the vast quantity of cells and their startling diversity can come away with the sense that each cell is easily expendable and of little consequence. But the same body that impresses us with specialization and diversity also affirms that EACH of its many members is valuable and often essential for survival. Interestingly, the worth of each member is also the aspect most often stressed in biblical imagery of the Body of Christ."
One of the things I enjoy about reading on a Kindle is that it's easy to underline/highlight sections and then go back to review them after I've finished the book. The highlighted notes alone are wonderful and inspiring as they weave the threads of Paul Brand's faith with his celebration of the miracle of the human body. It greatly strengthened my appreciation for my body and opened up thoughtful ways to connect the physical world around me with the spiritual world that I seek to know better.
Yancey's wonderful rendering of his mentor's thoughts also left me wishing more than anything that I could have known Dr. Paul Brand.
December 10, 2020
Awesome book. Dr. Brand talks about his treatments for his leprosy patients in India and New Orleans. Each chapter takes a part of the body and how wonderfully it's made. If you don't believe in God, then this book will open your eyes to a higher power that created us. God knew us in the womb!
November 10, 2023
If you want to understand why medical professionals like me get so excited about the human body, read this book! It is a beautifully inspired analogy of the design of the human body and lessons in the Body of Christ.
August 16, 2025
A wonderful edition of two books. Dr. Brand draws on his lifetime experience working with the body and those suffering from leprosy to unpack rich analogies that offer new insight between the body and spiritual truths.
December 6, 2012
Reading this book was very much like a lengthy journey - you get to experience various things. Looking back I realize I even got bored some times, and discovered the excitement again after taking a break or when the topic changed. I very much liked the duality of accumulating knowledge and reflection on immaterial issues: each chapter is built up on a 2-stage pattern. Most of it is knowledge about the human body, explained by a doctor, and yet comprehensible to a non-expert (I could never really stand biology classes...) with interesting facts and figures (i never realized our body without nerve cells is just like a collection of individually perfect objects missing a link, or that the blood has also the function of the garbage-man transporting toxins away from the cells, or the marvelous adaptive changes in the body of pregnant woman - my overall feeling when thinking about the book, is amazement), and in the end there is a doctor's perspective on how the analogy of a body fits the christian church.
some things i particularly liked, and wrote down:
'And when I liken wealthy people to fat cells, I use the image positively, as an admiring doctor who appreciates the role of fat. Hospitality and generosity are made easier by wealth. Reserves can help the Body care for itself and fuel its muscular activity in a hurting world. However, the control of fat is a difficult problem...' pg.80
'You don't need language to express love, only to express hate. The language of love is what you do.'pg.73
'We live in a world far from God, and during the week we catch ourselves doubting. We muddle along with our weaknesses, our repeated failings, our unconquerable sins, our aches and pains. In that condition, bruised and pale, we are beckoned by Christ to his table to celebrate life. We experience the gracious flow of his forgiveness and love and healing - a murmur to us that we are accepted and made alive, transfused.' pg.328 -- my reasons and views of going to church lately
'Each partner knows well the other's vulnerable points. Intimacy increases the vulnerability of the person who loves and makes us naked to ridicule. At such moments I wish the Body of Christ would show the consistency of my physical body in its healing responsiveness to other cells. Love requires it.' pg.492
some things i particularly liked, and wrote down:
'And when I liken wealthy people to fat cells, I use the image positively, as an admiring doctor who appreciates the role of fat. Hospitality and generosity are made easier by wealth. Reserves can help the Body care for itself and fuel its muscular activity in a hurting world. However, the control of fat is a difficult problem...' pg.80
'You don't need language to express love, only to express hate. The language of love is what you do.'pg.73
'We live in a world far from God, and during the week we catch ourselves doubting. We muddle along with our weaknesses, our repeated failings, our unconquerable sins, our aches and pains. In that condition, bruised and pale, we are beckoned by Christ to his table to celebrate life. We experience the gracious flow of his forgiveness and love and healing - a murmur to us that we are accepted and made alive, transfused.' pg.328 -- my reasons and views of going to church lately
'Each partner knows well the other's vulnerable points. Intimacy increases the vulnerability of the person who loves and makes us naked to ridicule. At such moments I wish the Body of Christ would show the consistency of my physical body in its healing responsiveness to other cells. Love requires it.' pg.492
February 1, 2015
I've read this book over the course of several years, actually. I can't say this is because the content is particularly taxing, but I found myself taking a step back at a time and contemplating sections thoroughly before moving forward. This book has some beautiful content, thoughts and ideas that I will probably take with me the rest of my life. As a lover of analogies, Brand was able to illustrate concepts of Christianity (ones that I had so often heard) in way that I found much more powerful and thought-provoking than usual. This approach, especially with a large amount official content, might not be for all Christians. But it nonetheless begs a high respect and acknowledgement for what it achieves. I am tempted to give this book 5 stars (and might very well as time goes on), but I just found that some sections were stronger than others.
January 11, 2010
Dr Brand talks about many of the ways that the human body is amazing--did you know that there is a muscle in your heart when you are a fetus that develops for the sole purpose of closing off an artery that is no longer needed once you are born (and blood goes to your lungs?--and wonderful to know about. And he uses these facts as well as his stories from treating leprosy patients to share insights into how the human body and the body of Christ are similar (or different). I will read this book (which is really 2 in 1) again.
February 5, 2008
This is a great book comparing the functions of our Human Body with the Body of Christ. Its written with an incredibly humble doctor who spent his life serving leprosy patients in India. Its a really good one to read.
February 17, 2016
I absolutely loved this book(s)! They are so eye-opening and heart-warming that you can't easily put them down! It's beyond amazing the way God created us and is still at work in us and among us! I can't wait to meet Dr. Brand in heaven!
June 29, 2007
I have actually only read "In His Image" but it was a fantastic read, and has great perspective on understanding the human body and how the internal workings of the body point us toward the Divine.
July 25, 2008
I love it ! Every part of the body is impt and both of them really drove home the pt in a christian context
March 20, 2013
A must-read. Never again will you see the body of Christ—or the church—the same way again! Extraordinary insight by a man who was a true blessing to humanity.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews