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Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God's Image
Discover this updated and combined edition of two bestselling books!
The human body holds endlessly fascinating secrets. The resilience of skin, the strength and structure of the bones, the dynamic balance of the muscles--your physical being is knit according to a pattern of stunning purpose. Now Gold Medallion winners Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image have been completely revised and updated to offer a new audience timeless reflections on the body.
Join renowned leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey on a remarkable journey through inner space--a spellbinding account of medical intervention, pain and healing, and the courage of humanity. Discover here the eternal truths revealed by our seemingly ordinary existence. The human body is a window into the very structure of God's creation and a testament to God's glory.
The human body holds endlessly fascinating secrets. The resilience of skin, the strength and structure of the bones, the dynamic balance of the muscles--your physical being is knit according to a pattern of stunning purpose. Now Gold Medallion winners Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image have been completely revised and updated to offer a new audience timeless reflections on the body.
Join renowned leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey on a remarkable journey through inner space--a spellbinding account of medical intervention, pain and healing, and the courage of humanity. Discover here the eternal truths revealed by our seemingly ordinary existence. The human body is a window into the very structure of God's creation and a testament to God's glory.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published August 6, 2019
346 people are currently reading
2492 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 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 24, 2019
Are you ready for some Good Biology and some Good Theology? If your answer is yes, then grab a copy of this book and dig in. Start reading, start thinking and start learning. As you read, think and learn, your faith will grow.
As humans, we have so much to be thankful for as we acknowledge that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. While reading through this enlightening book, I am encouraged to be thankful for the very cells that make up the various and complicated systems that make living as a human an awesome adventure.
I loved when the author shared his thoughts about the vast amounts of specialized, individual cells that cooperate with and compliment each other to form human bodies, much like so many unique individuals with specialized skills and talents make up local churches. On a grander scale, each local church with its preferred style of worship, teaching and nurturing, contributes greatly and diversely to the greater Church.
I loved the lessons and analogies of human skin and the church. Skin is the first visible thing that we notice human to human. What does the skin of the church look and feel like to outsiders and newcomers? Is it warm and touchable? Do these same outsiders and newcomers see the fruit of the Spirit on our skin? Or, are they met with skin which has been hardened with callouses and is devoid of any much needed empathy?
I was intrigued by the rewording of the 10 commandments. They were presented and offered as positive affirmations, while explaining the reasoning and wisdom behind the original forbidding commands. They are a strong, reliable guide to living our best life in freedom while being protected with healthy, wise and safe boundaries. I will definitely be sharing these ideas with others.
What really drew me in were the author's thoughts on legalism and its dangers. He put into words and explained so very well, the feelings and beliefs that I already had.
While reading this book, I was challenged and reminded to use my existence to present God’s presence to our hurting world by being there for others, by loving others and by touching them. All of us are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from InterVarsity Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
As humans, we have so much to be thankful for as we acknowledge that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. While reading through this enlightening book, I am encouraged to be thankful for the very cells that make up the various and complicated systems that make living as a human an awesome adventure.
I loved when the author shared his thoughts about the vast amounts of specialized, individual cells that cooperate with and compliment each other to form human bodies, much like so many unique individuals with specialized skills and talents make up local churches. On a grander scale, each local church with its preferred style of worship, teaching and nurturing, contributes greatly and diversely to the greater Church.
I loved the lessons and analogies of human skin and the church. Skin is the first visible thing that we notice human to human. What does the skin of the church look and feel like to outsiders and newcomers? Is it warm and touchable? Do these same outsiders and newcomers see the fruit of the Spirit on our skin? Or, are they met with skin which has been hardened with callouses and is devoid of any much needed empathy?
I was intrigued by the rewording of the 10 commandments. They were presented and offered as positive affirmations, while explaining the reasoning and wisdom behind the original forbidding commands. They are a strong, reliable guide to living our best life in freedom while being protected with healthy, wise and safe boundaries. I will definitely be sharing these ideas with others.
What really drew me in were the author's thoughts on legalism and its dangers. He put into words and explained so very well, the feelings and beliefs that I already had.
While reading this book, I was challenged and reminded to use my existence to present God’s presence to our hurting world by being there for others, by loving others and by touching them. All of us are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from InterVarsity Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 30, 2022
Is it possible to give 10***?? Completely humbling. Completely convicting. This undelible TREASURE of a book will not only leave you in utter awe and wonderment at the miraculous complexities of the human body, but you will marvel at a man who dedicated his life to the healing of the most undesirable lepers on earth. Dr. Brand studied these outcasts and loved them thoroughly, finding renowned medical breakthroughs that would restore their hands and feet, and ultimately their souls. He considered it an honor to work with them, and he was eternally grateful at the opportunity to serve the people that society ashamedly shuns. That journey through his life was unbelievably fascinating, but it pales in comparison to the sojourn he takes you on as he describes the miracle of the human body that only God could create.
From the cells to the eyes, ears, skin, heart, lungs, bones, blood, kidneys, hormones, and brain...from the senses of taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound...to the gift of pain and the body in motion - each is described so meticulously perfect that you almost disbelieve how all the systems can work so perfectly together. Yet, you know they do simply because you experience your own human body every day.
And then, as if this wasn't inspiring enough, he then - through the help of Philip Yancey as his co-author who traveled with Dr. Brand for 10 years - compared each system to the body of Christ, each with its own purpose and function, none being more important than another since all are crucial to the homeostasis of life.
This is bar none one of the best books I have ever read as it put my life in perspective against the people our world considered worthless and disgusting. I had never considered all the intricacies of each part and parcel of our body and how each was designed for a specific, critical purpose just as we have all been made for a specific purpose in the body of Christ. I had to confront my own biases and prejudices thanks to Brand's convicting life on my own, and this book has made me a richer, humbler, and better person towards my fellow humans. I cannot recommend this book highly enough as it will literally change your life, and that is not hyperbole. That is truth.
From the cells to the eyes, ears, skin, heart, lungs, bones, blood, kidneys, hormones, and brain...from the senses of taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound...to the gift of pain and the body in motion - each is described so meticulously perfect that you almost disbelieve how all the systems can work so perfectly together. Yet, you know they do simply because you experience your own human body every day.
And then, as if this wasn't inspiring enough, he then - through the help of Philip Yancey as his co-author who traveled with Dr. Brand for 10 years - compared each system to the body of Christ, each with its own purpose and function, none being more important than another since all are crucial to the homeostasis of life.
This is bar none one of the best books I have ever read as it put my life in perspective against the people our world considered worthless and disgusting. I had never considered all the intricacies of each part and parcel of our body and how each was designed for a specific, critical purpose just as we have all been made for a specific purpose in the body of Christ. I had to confront my own biases and prejudices thanks to Brand's convicting life on my own, and this book has made me a richer, humbler, and better person towards my fellow humans. I cannot recommend this book highly enough as it will literally change your life, and that is not hyperbole. That is truth.
November 8, 2019
Summary: A new edition combining two classic works exploring both the wonders of the human anatomy, the value and dignity of every human being, and parallels with the functioning of the body of Christ.
Thirty years ago Dr. Paul Brand and writer Philip Yancey teamed up on two books exploring the wonders of the human body, Brand's medical practice and its affirmation of the human dignity of even some of the most physically unapproachable and parallels to the body of Christ. I never had a chance to read these works but every person I met who hand raved at the beauty of these works. Now, thirty years later, and having read a new edition combining these two works, I am ready to join the chorus of those who praise the fruit of this collaboration. This writing about how fearfully and wonderfully made is indeed wonderful.
Brand's distinctive work up until his death in 2003 was his work among those with leprosy, and his critical insight that began with his first encounter with a leper that the insidious part of the disease was its destruction of nerve endings that transmit pressure and pain. Deformities, particularly in hands and feet result from repeated injuries that occur because people don't feel the pain of fire, or wounds from tools or knives or implements, or even the turning of an ankle. Much of Brand's work as an orthopedic surgeon was operating on misshapen hands and feet, eyelids, noses, and restoring function and form.
One of the beauties of this work was the power of treating those who suffered from these deformities as persons of great dignity. At one point the book describes an incident where Brand was assuring a leprosy patient that they could arrest the disease with medication and restore some movement. As he did so, he made what he thought a joke as he put his arm around the young man's shoulder, and the young man began to sob. Brand discovered that the man was crying because no one had touched him for many years.
Another part of the beauty of this book lies in the descriptions of the wonders of the human body. He describes the incredible diversity of cells that make our bodies, and how they all share the same set of instructions on their chromosomes. He describes how normally functioning bodies distribute stress and adjust when tissues are expose to repeated stress. Lepers, who cannot feel, do not. He explores various bodily systems: skin, blood, respiration, bone, and muscle, sensory nerves and brain. So much that we are unaware of reflects incredibly complex and efficient systems to sustain, protect, and heal our bodies.
The third beauty of this book is the insights drawn from our physical anatomy to a parallel Body--the Body of Christ.Brand describes the primitive but effective techniques of vaccinating people using the lymph of previously vaccinated persons to vaccinate others, protecting them from and overcoming deadly illnesses like smallpox. Then follows a spiritual insight into what it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, blood that overcomes the infection, and effects of sin.
Descriptions of the wonder of human anatomy, the dignity of every human being and the healthy functioning of Christ's body weave through this work. These lessons all have one end--to help us understand what it means both individually and collectively to be image bearers, the embodied representations of God and Christ to the world. I came away from reading this work with a profound sense of wonder and thankfulness for the function of my body in all its parts and its whole. The very act of typing these words is a wonder, involving thought, brain centers dedicated to each of my fingers, visual impulses from my eyes, all woven together. How wonderful it is when one works with a team of believers, using our various gifts and skills toward common goals, accomplishing far more together than any of us could individually. Brand and Yancey not only open my eyes with the wonders they describe and their spiritual parallels, they encourage me to look for these wonders in my own life and the world around me, fostering what an embryologist friend describes as doxological fascination, a rather fancy way of describing "fearfully and wonderfully." That seems to me to be a rather wonderful way to live.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Thirty years ago Dr. Paul Brand and writer Philip Yancey teamed up on two books exploring the wonders of the human body, Brand's medical practice and its affirmation of the human dignity of even some of the most physically unapproachable and parallels to the body of Christ. I never had a chance to read these works but every person I met who hand raved at the beauty of these works. Now, thirty years later, and having read a new edition combining these two works, I am ready to join the chorus of those who praise the fruit of this collaboration. This writing about how fearfully and wonderfully made is indeed wonderful.
Brand's distinctive work up until his death in 2003 was his work among those with leprosy, and his critical insight that began with his first encounter with a leper that the insidious part of the disease was its destruction of nerve endings that transmit pressure and pain. Deformities, particularly in hands and feet result from repeated injuries that occur because people don't feel the pain of fire, or wounds from tools or knives or implements, or even the turning of an ankle. Much of Brand's work as an orthopedic surgeon was operating on misshapen hands and feet, eyelids, noses, and restoring function and form.
One of the beauties of this work was the power of treating those who suffered from these deformities as persons of great dignity. At one point the book describes an incident where Brand was assuring a leprosy patient that they could arrest the disease with medication and restore some movement. As he did so, he made what he thought a joke as he put his arm around the young man's shoulder, and the young man began to sob. Brand discovered that the man was crying because no one had touched him for many years.
Another part of the beauty of this book lies in the descriptions of the wonders of the human body. He describes the incredible diversity of cells that make our bodies, and how they all share the same set of instructions on their chromosomes. He describes how normally functioning bodies distribute stress and adjust when tissues are expose to repeated stress. Lepers, who cannot feel, do not. He explores various bodily systems: skin, blood, respiration, bone, and muscle, sensory nerves and brain. So much that we are unaware of reflects incredibly complex and efficient systems to sustain, protect, and heal our bodies.
The third beauty of this book is the insights drawn from our physical anatomy to a parallel Body--the Body of Christ.Brand describes the primitive but effective techniques of vaccinating people using the lymph of previously vaccinated persons to vaccinate others, protecting them from and overcoming deadly illnesses like smallpox. Then follows a spiritual insight into what it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, blood that overcomes the infection, and effects of sin.
Descriptions of the wonder of human anatomy, the dignity of every human being and the healthy functioning of Christ's body weave through this work. These lessons all have one end--to help us understand what it means both individually and collectively to be image bearers, the embodied representations of God and Christ to the world. I came away from reading this work with a profound sense of wonder and thankfulness for the function of my body in all its parts and its whole. The very act of typing these words is a wonder, involving thought, brain centers dedicated to each of my fingers, visual impulses from my eyes, all woven together. How wonderful it is when one works with a team of believers, using our various gifts and skills toward common goals, accomplishing far more together than any of us could individually. Brand and Yancey not only open my eyes with the wonders they describe and their spiritual parallels, they encourage me to look for these wonders in my own life and the world around me, fostering what an embryologist friend describes as doxological fascination, a rather fancy way of describing "fearfully and wonderfully." That seems to me to be a rather wonderful way to live.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 21, 2019
Little did I know, when I began Fearfully and Wonderfully by Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey, what an insightful and informative book I had picked up. Those who are disturbed by medical discussions of body parts may find the descriptions upsetting so do be careful. I found them fascinating.
Written from the perspective of a Christian missionary doctor who spent his life working with those suffering from leprosy, each function of the body is examined, explained and related to Christianity, It is both enlightening about the body and the faith.
Pain, being my companion through my CRPS, gained descriptions I have sought in my desire to share my experience. I also developed a deeper appreciation for the pain I do have which leprosy patients don’t which causes so much of their disability and isolation. One such description highlight how pain should have a volume control. “Apart from this volume switch through which sensations pass, I could not wear wool or other coarse clothing; my body would incessantly remind me of its scratchy presence and I could hardly concentrate on anything else.” so well explains how my clothes feel in a CRPS flare-up.
Dr Paul Brand eloquently shares his appreciation for pianists and their magnificent performances which only further endeared him to me, being a pianist myself and loving classical music.
Some of my favourite lines include:
“It is a supreme mystery that God has chosen to convey likeness through millions of ordinary people like us.”
“Somehow he [Jesus] moved compliantly among diverse groups without compromising his good-news message of love and forgiveness.”
”But if we fail to find fellowship in our mutual obedience to Christ, our actions will be seen not as the counterbalancing forces necessary for movement, but as spastic, futile contractions.”
”In the spiritual Body, a cell must submit to orders from the Head, for only the Head can judge the needs of the whole Body.”
It is inspiring, captivating and easy to read from start to finish. I highly recommend it and give it a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.
Written from the perspective of a Christian missionary doctor who spent his life working with those suffering from leprosy, each function of the body is examined, explained and related to Christianity, It is both enlightening about the body and the faith.
Pain, being my companion through my CRPS, gained descriptions I have sought in my desire to share my experience. I also developed a deeper appreciation for the pain I do have which leprosy patients don’t which causes so much of their disability and isolation. One such description highlight how pain should have a volume control. “Apart from this volume switch through which sensations pass, I could not wear wool or other coarse clothing; my body would incessantly remind me of its scratchy presence and I could hardly concentrate on anything else.” so well explains how my clothes feel in a CRPS flare-up.
Dr Paul Brand eloquently shares his appreciation for pianists and their magnificent performances which only further endeared him to me, being a pianist myself and loving classical music.
Some of my favourite lines include:
“It is a supreme mystery that God has chosen to convey likeness through millions of ordinary people like us.”
“Somehow he [Jesus] moved compliantly among diverse groups without compromising his good-news message of love and forgiveness.”
”But if we fail to find fellowship in our mutual obedience to Christ, our actions will be seen not as the counterbalancing forces necessary for movement, but as spastic, futile contractions.”
”In the spiritual Body, a cell must submit to orders from the Head, for only the Head can judge the needs of the whole Body.”
It is inspiring, captivating and easy to read from start to finish. I highly recommend it and give it a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.
May 8, 2019
5 stars
This is probably one of the most interesting and fascinating Christian books I have read in a very long time. I love how Dr. Brand sees the beauty and pain in life through his work with leprosy patients and yet he also connects it all to God. Brand recounts his work and God’s presence within every segment of his life. He is truly a fascinating man and had an incredible impact on both the secular and the Christian world. Phillip Yancey has done a remarkable job of relating this man’s astonishing life and legacy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #FearfullyandWonderfully #NetGalley
This is probably one of the most interesting and fascinating Christian books I have read in a very long time. I love how Dr. Brand sees the beauty and pain in life through his work with leprosy patients and yet he also connects it all to God. Brand recounts his work and God’s presence within every segment of his life. He is truly a fascinating man and had an incredible impact on both the secular and the Christian world. Phillip Yancey has done a remarkable job of relating this man’s astonishing life and legacy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #FearfullyandWonderfully #NetGalley
July 23, 2019
This new, combined and updated edition of Yancey & Brand's classic work is inspiring and challenging. Brand's knowledge of the human body is at times overwhelming but his ability to make it understandable and relatable makes the book a treasure trove of biology and theology. The book is full of great stories and clear word pictures. It will make you think and it will challenge you to live out your faith in a more profound way. I am so glad to see this updated version released and hope it inspires a whole new generation to live into being made in God's image.
May 30, 2019
"Fearfully and Wonderfully" is a combined and updated edition of two of Dr. Paul Brand's previous books: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image. I've read other books by Dr. Brand, but not these two, so much of it was new to me. He talked about various parts of the body (bones, blood, brain, skin, etc.) and each of the senses. His descriptions create a sense of wonder at how marvelously God designed the human body. He also told stories about people he has helped that didn't have a properly functioning sense of pain (like his leprosy patients) or hearing or kidney or whatever. For each body part, he connected this information to references in the New Testament to the Body of Christ. He explained how understanding the human body has helped him better understand how the Body of Christ should function, and he shared theses interesting insights. I'd highly recommend this interesting and insightful book.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 15, 2019
A masterpiece by one of the greatest Christian writers of our generation. Phillip Yancey teamed with Dr. Paul Brand to write a book about Dr. Brand’s treatment of leprosy patients in India. The passages about the wonder of the human body are fascinating. The writers use the physical body as an illustration of the church, the Body of Christ. The book is fascinating reading, even if you are not interested in the spiritual issues. As the Psalmist wrote, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a prepublication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a prepublication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
woowwwwieee, such an amazing book!! super awesome merging of good theology & good science. i think i get so focused on the brilliance & complexity of our bodies that i forget that even they don’t define us!!! we are vessels of the image of God!! so so so many good reminders, but probs my fav one was we do not serve a statistical God & so often i get caught up in the statistics of things. He shut the gate on the 99 to find the 1 lost. our love should be deep & unrelenting no matter the ease or if it makes sense bc that’s how the Lord loves us.
November 5, 2023
Astonishing and invigorating.
The phrase, “the Word was made flesh,” has taken new meaning and greater depth in my life after reading this book.
I will never look at a cut the same way again either.
Five stars.
The phrase, “the Word was made flesh,” has taken new meaning and greater depth in my life after reading this book.
I will never look at a cut the same way again either.
Five stars.
January 17, 2021
I cannot say enough good things about this amazing book- it is thought-provoking; informative spiritually/intellectually/medical knowledge-wise; challenging to one’s faith; and a book to be read and re-read. So much to contemplate. Paul Brand is someone I deeply admire and wish I could converse with to ask him further about his writings. I encourage anyone and everyone to read this! One of my all-time favourites.
June 20, 2019
First sentence: A curtain screened my group of interns and medical students from the rest of the forty-bed ward at a training hospital in Vellore, India.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made is an updated and combined edition of two classic books: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image. I have not read either book before so I'm not sure exactly how these two are merged together. (I am curious though!)
The book is one doctor's perspective on the human body and its Creator. What can learning about the human body teach us about our Creator? What spiritual lessons can be gleamed from the natural world? One thing is stressed throughout the book: we are God's image-bearers. The church especially has the unique opportunity to do God's work on earth and be a blessing to the world. In the first chapter he writes, "we can take on God’s qualities—compassion, mercy, love, gentleness—and express them to a needy, broken world. As spirit, God remains invisible, relying on us to make that spirit visible. It is a supreme mystery that God has chosen to convey likeness through millions of ordinary people like us. We bear that image collectively, as a Body, because any one of us taken individually would present an incomplete image, one partly false and always distorted, like a single glass chip hacked from a mirror. Yet in all our diversity we can come together as a community to bear something of God’s image in the world." Towards the end of the book, he shares, "When God seems unreal, we can demonstrate that reality to others by expressing Christ’s love and character. Some may see this as God’s failure to respond to our deepest needs: “My God, why have you forsaken me?” I see it as a calling for the rest of the Body to unify and to embody the love of God. I say this carefully: we can show love when God seems not to."
I enjoyed reading this one. I did. I liked hearing his personal stories--stories about his family, his experiences on the mission field, his experiences with patients, his experiences as a student, etc. I liked his insights as well. He offers much food for thought.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made is an updated and combined edition of two classic books: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image. I have not read either book before so I'm not sure exactly how these two are merged together. (I am curious though!)
The book is one doctor's perspective on the human body and its Creator. What can learning about the human body teach us about our Creator? What spiritual lessons can be gleamed from the natural world? One thing is stressed throughout the book: we are God's image-bearers. The church especially has the unique opportunity to do God's work on earth and be a blessing to the world. In the first chapter he writes, "we can take on God’s qualities—compassion, mercy, love, gentleness—and express them to a needy, broken world. As spirit, God remains invisible, relying on us to make that spirit visible. It is a supreme mystery that God has chosen to convey likeness through millions of ordinary people like us. We bear that image collectively, as a Body, because any one of us taken individually would present an incomplete image, one partly false and always distorted, like a single glass chip hacked from a mirror. Yet in all our diversity we can come together as a community to bear something of God’s image in the world." Towards the end of the book, he shares, "When God seems unreal, we can demonstrate that reality to others by expressing Christ’s love and character. Some may see this as God’s failure to respond to our deepest needs: “My God, why have you forsaken me?” I see it as a calling for the rest of the Body to unify and to embody the love of God. I say this carefully: we can show love when God seems not to."
I enjoyed reading this one. I did. I liked hearing his personal stories--stories about his family, his experiences on the mission field, his experiences with patients, his experiences as a student, etc. I liked his insights as well. He offers much food for thought.
Read
October 3, 2019Dr Brand was the physician who discovered that the loss of nerves, and the resulting loss of pain sensation, was the root cause of disfigurement in leprosy patients. He was a Missionary Kid and became a Missionary Doctor, in India. His book details the wonder of the human body. As an orthopedic surgeon he is enamored with the hand. His hands have done important work over the decades, and they composed a wonderful book.
Read it and become amazed with the diversity that is your body.
Read it and become amazed with the diversity that is your body.
August 13, 2019
The human body is most fascinating. It is a wonder how the body functions as one whole. Even medical science, for all its advances could not explain everything. Today, we are still uncovering countless secrets and learning about how the body works under various circumstances. At the same time, some people use the human body to learn about life. This is what authors Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey have done. Using the underlying presupposition that human beings are made in the image of God, they reveal some of the most profound meanings about life and spirituality through the lens of how the body works. From cells to tissues, body parts to physiological systems, we are constantly reminded that the way our body functions is a powerful metaphor to teach us and our communities how we ought to live. Researchers even call the human body as "generator of diversity" (GOD). So powerful is the human body immune system that doctors would readily agree that no science nor medical knowhow could beat the natural immune system. The problem of AIDS is a classic example. When the human immune system breaks down, it speeds up fatality. From the health of a single cell, we learn how that impacts the way the immunity functions. From the diversity of the various body systems, we learn about groups, communities, villages, and nations. The authors make a case for the starting point of any community: Diversity. This is simply because we need one another's uniqueness and gifts. This should propel us toward a greater sense of belonging. The more we appreciate and cherish one another's diversity, the greater is our unity. Brand talks not just from his own experience and knowledge, he shares with readers insights from many other medical professionals. For example, while talking about homeostasis, he relates to us the discovery of Japanese Yas Kuno whose research on sweat shows us the wonders of the human body to adapt body temperature; Dr Walter Cannon's work on the wonders of the body to correct imbalances. Learning to accept diversity cultivates an atmosphere of acceptance. Our five basic human senses also have a lot to teach us.
Other areas studied include the largest organ in the body, the skin. Certain parts of our body are more sensitive than others. It reflects our community where some members are more sensitive than others. Jesus is especially sensitive to such vulnerable members of the community. From the study of bones in us, we recognize the hidden strength in us. While bones are not visible from the outside, it strengthens us from the inside out. Bones are dependable and the skeleton reminds us of the basic foundations of faith. When young, our bones are soft. When we get older, they become brittle and easily broken. The authors critique the ancient ways of beating up our own bodies such as the famous fifth century Simon Stylites who lived an extreme form of asceticism to prove his faith. Such views are like the exoskeletons of crustaceans. Lose them and one becomes vulnerable. The human body has no exoskeleton. The strength comes from within. Every chapter oozes with rich teachings on both the human body system and spiritual thoughts. It is a fascinating journey.
This is one of the best books that combined the teachings of human physiology and Christian spirituality is through the writings of Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey. The first edition of "Fearfully and Wonderfully made" was published in 1980. Combed from the journals of Dr Paul Brand, it describes the individual cells and parts of the body and how they interact with one another. A second book, "In His Image" was then published in 1984 to showcase the interactions, the connections, and how the body parts were created to work together. In both books, we learn about body functions, about the miracles of the human physiology, and how we could see the connection between humanity and divinity. Throughout the books, we see the constant comparison between the human body and the Body of Christ. Dr Paul Brand died in 2003 but his knowledge of the human body remains an invaluable addition to the teaching of what it means to be made in the image of God. Co-author Philip Yancey wants to update not one but both books to make it more relevant for the modern reader, especially the younger ones among us. Let me offer three thoughts on this book.
Three Things
First, the authors use the human body as a metaphor to teach us about our spiritual life. Just like how Paul uses the body to describe the body of Christ, Brand and Yancey takes the idea and develops it further through modern discoveries and knowhow, to expand on our understanding of what it means to live as one people. I appreciate the way Yancey says that the community is: "not an organization but rather an organism." Throughout the book, the authors connect what they describe at the micro-levels of the body to the overall macro-level of both the human system and our communities. Each system is a powerful message in itself.
Second, take care of the body especially when the body is healthy. Healthcare continues to be a major concern throughout the world. As costs continue to rise, the book reminds us once again that no scientific progress or medical advancements combined are able to match the natural body immune systems. Good health is not something to be taken for granted. We need to remember that the best medication is to be healthy in the first place. Thus, even as we gain insights about the human body in this book as a metaphor to teach us about community and diversity, we need to constantly remind ourselves the importance of personal care and hygiene. Don't risk our health unnecessarily, whether through careless diet or harmful activities. Taken in the light of a community, as we take care of our own bodies, we become an asset instead of a liability for our communities.
Third, let this book remind us the wonder of God. We may become so infatuated with the latest scientific discovery or the successful clinical trials of a wonder drug. We may even be thrilled with what the modern medical equipment could do. Have we thought about depending on the creator of our human bodies in the first place? This book may not exactly be an evangelistic book. However, one cannot help but marvel at the way God has created us. A healthy body is more valuable than all the riches of this world. What good is it for one to gain the whole world but loses one's soul? We could all appreciate the wonders of the human body. Let us not stop there. If the body itself is so wonderful, what about the creator of such a body?
This remains one of my favourite books by Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey.
Dr Paul Brand is a world-renowned hand surgeon and leprosy specialist. He has served as a clinical professor emeritus at the University of Washington. He has co-authored with Philip Yancey three books: "The Gift Nobody Wants," "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," and "In His Image." Dr Brand passed away in 2003.
Philip Yancey has served as editor-at-large for ChristianityToday magazine. He has written several godly medallion award winning books and is a highly sought after author and speaker.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Inter-Varsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Other areas studied include the largest organ in the body, the skin. Certain parts of our body are more sensitive than others. It reflects our community where some members are more sensitive than others. Jesus is especially sensitive to such vulnerable members of the community. From the study of bones in us, we recognize the hidden strength in us. While bones are not visible from the outside, it strengthens us from the inside out. Bones are dependable and the skeleton reminds us of the basic foundations of faith. When young, our bones are soft. When we get older, they become brittle and easily broken. The authors critique the ancient ways of beating up our own bodies such as the famous fifth century Simon Stylites who lived an extreme form of asceticism to prove his faith. Such views are like the exoskeletons of crustaceans. Lose them and one becomes vulnerable. The human body has no exoskeleton. The strength comes from within. Every chapter oozes with rich teachings on both the human body system and spiritual thoughts. It is a fascinating journey.
This is one of the best books that combined the teachings of human physiology and Christian spirituality is through the writings of Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey. The first edition of "Fearfully and Wonderfully made" was published in 1980. Combed from the journals of Dr Paul Brand, it describes the individual cells and parts of the body and how they interact with one another. A second book, "In His Image" was then published in 1984 to showcase the interactions, the connections, and how the body parts were created to work together. In both books, we learn about body functions, about the miracles of the human physiology, and how we could see the connection between humanity and divinity. Throughout the books, we see the constant comparison between the human body and the Body of Christ. Dr Paul Brand died in 2003 but his knowledge of the human body remains an invaluable addition to the teaching of what it means to be made in the image of God. Co-author Philip Yancey wants to update not one but both books to make it more relevant for the modern reader, especially the younger ones among us. Let me offer three thoughts on this book.
Three Things
First, the authors use the human body as a metaphor to teach us about our spiritual life. Just like how Paul uses the body to describe the body of Christ, Brand and Yancey takes the idea and develops it further through modern discoveries and knowhow, to expand on our understanding of what it means to live as one people. I appreciate the way Yancey says that the community is: "not an organization but rather an organism." Throughout the book, the authors connect what they describe at the micro-levels of the body to the overall macro-level of both the human system and our communities. Each system is a powerful message in itself.
Second, take care of the body especially when the body is healthy. Healthcare continues to be a major concern throughout the world. As costs continue to rise, the book reminds us once again that no scientific progress or medical advancements combined are able to match the natural body immune systems. Good health is not something to be taken for granted. We need to remember that the best medication is to be healthy in the first place. Thus, even as we gain insights about the human body in this book as a metaphor to teach us about community and diversity, we need to constantly remind ourselves the importance of personal care and hygiene. Don't risk our health unnecessarily, whether through careless diet or harmful activities. Taken in the light of a community, as we take care of our own bodies, we become an asset instead of a liability for our communities.
Third, let this book remind us the wonder of God. We may become so infatuated with the latest scientific discovery or the successful clinical trials of a wonder drug. We may even be thrilled with what the modern medical equipment could do. Have we thought about depending on the creator of our human bodies in the first place? This book may not exactly be an evangelistic book. However, one cannot help but marvel at the way God has created us. A healthy body is more valuable than all the riches of this world. What good is it for one to gain the whole world but loses one's soul? We could all appreciate the wonders of the human body. Let us not stop there. If the body itself is so wonderful, what about the creator of such a body?
This remains one of my favourite books by Dr Paul Brand and Philip Yancey.
Dr Paul Brand is a world-renowned hand surgeon and leprosy specialist. He has served as a clinical professor emeritus at the University of Washington. He has co-authored with Philip Yancey three books: "The Gift Nobody Wants," "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," and "In His Image." Dr Brand passed away in 2003.
Philip Yancey has served as editor-at-large for ChristianityToday magazine. He has written several godly medallion award winning books and is a highly sought after author and speaker.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Inter-Varsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
May 3, 2021
A book of meditations. Full of love and appreciation for humans with all their virtues and defects.
It combined simple biology and physiology with great faith and spirituality.
I’m glad that through this book I borrowed Dr. Paul's eyes for a while to acknowledge the sacred potentials of the spirit and body image from his viewpoint.
This book isn't only for Christians or medical persona, it's for all of us.
The language and storytelling were rich and easy flowing, I enjoyed reading each chapter.
“we cannot “see” God; we lack adequate perceiving organs. Rather, God becomes visible through the members of the Body.
We are called to bear God’s image corporately because any one of us taken individually would present an incomplete image, one partly false and always distorted. Yet collectively, in all our diversity, we can come together as a community of believers to restore the image of God in the world.”
It combined simple biology and physiology with great faith and spirituality.
I’m glad that through this book I borrowed Dr. Paul's eyes for a while to acknowledge the sacred potentials of the spirit and body image from his viewpoint.
This book isn't only for Christians or medical persona, it's for all of us.
The language and storytelling were rich and easy flowing, I enjoyed reading each chapter.
“we cannot “see” God; we lack adequate perceiving organs. Rather, God becomes visible through the members of the Body.
We are called to bear God’s image corporately because any one of us taken individually would present an incomplete image, one partly false and always distorted. Yet collectively, in all our diversity, we can come together as a community of believers to restore the image of God in the world.”
June 5, 2022
This book finds the image of God within people that society completely rejects. It marvels in the complexity of the human body and relates it to the Christian body. There were multiple chapters that I had to put the book down afterward because I had to digest the surreal situations the author was in and recognize his childlike wonder. Biiiig recommend if you’re interested in anatomy and Christianity.
March 13, 2023
All the stars! This book is fabulous! Easy to understand explanations of physiology are woven with Brand’s amazing life experiences and his thoughts on and applications for the body of Christ. Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
September 3, 2025
a lovely ruby recommendation that made me wish i could go back to my high school science classes and marvel at the wonder that all creation exists for the glory of our glorious God. even the smallest intricacies of our bodies long to be understood as markers of truth and bearers of meaning and this book often made me sit in simple awe of this.
July 17, 2019
A number of years ago, I heard of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, but never got around to reading it. I did not know what I was missing until I read this newly updated version of the book. After only a chapter or two, I was hooked. If I could have read a book like this when I was first being introduced to science and health, I have no doubt I would have had a greater appreciation of both subjects. Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey teamed up to write a masterpiece that clearly describes how fearfully and wonderfully we truly are made. I love the fact that this is not just a book about the human body, although the information is presented in a very understandable manner. Using the various systems of the body to describe how the Body of Christ should operate with each of us fulfilling a specific function makes it a must-read for Christians. Above all else, I found it most interesting that Dr. Brand, who worked with leprosy patients in India and Louisiana, made the material far more memorable by sharing stories of leprosy patients to demonstrate how the lack of healthy systems in the body can ultimately bring about death, just as the lack of health in Christians can result in death to a local church. The lessons shared are worth the time spent reading the book. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own. #FearfullyandWonderfully
August 8, 2019
I am an avid reader so I don't say this lightly- this is one of the best books I've ever read. It is absolutely fascinating. I was worried it would be too "sciency" for me but it has helped me learn about, and understand, the human body more than anything else I've read. Truly I think I'd have done much better in college science if I'd have had this book! Not only does it tell the story of a brave man who treated leprosy patients for years, it points to how intricately designed we are and how much care God put into creating us. I plan to save this to use with my son for homeschool science in a couple of years. It's scientifically backed but absolutely beautiful and engaging enough that even if you're not looking to "learn," you'll still be sucked into the story. I've read a lot of Yancey books over the years and was excited to receive a digital copy of this to share my honest opinion with you.
April 12, 2021
I found this book to be difficult to get in to. Brand is a good fact teller, yet lacks the ability to draw readers in as a story teller. The information presented about the human body in this book is incredible, and he articulates well the connection between God’s design for the human anatomy and the body of Christ. However, it still seems to be missing an aspect of good writing that is often associated with the way one presents facts and information. It is clear that Brand lived a fascinating life, but I was constantly left wanting more than what was given. This is a good thing at times, specifically when the conclusion gives everything a reader could want. However, Brand never achieved providing the water for his readers. Ultimately, this book does point to God’s beautiful creation of the human, and the information presented is not incorrect. Therefore, the book was not an entire waste, but remained not necessarily an enjoyable read.
April 17, 2021
As soon as I finished reading "Fearfully and Wonderfully" (Advanced Proof), I wanted to experience the journey again. And so I did. This book inspired a deep sense of awe for creation and our Creator. It challenged me to examine my personal relationship with God and others; while offering an engaging look into the correlation between the medical design of our physical bodies and the spiritual design of our community.
In a unique format, Philip Yancey gives us the insights of Dr. Paul Brand, paired with fully updated science and application. This book was a joy to read, brimming with beautiful stories of real people. I highly recommend "Fearfully and Wonderfully" and intend to read it again, and again. #FearfullyAndWonderfully
In a unique format, Philip Yancey gives us the insights of Dr. Paul Brand, paired with fully updated science and application. This book was a joy to read, brimming with beautiful stories of real people. I highly recommend "Fearfully and Wonderfully" and intend to read it again, and again. #FearfullyAndWonderfully
August 6, 2019
As I read this meditation on the design and function of the human body, I often stopped to worship.
The precision and beauty of the body sets a high standard as a metaphor for the church. Every cell, i.e., every Christian, has an immediate connection to the brain, i.e., the head of the Body, Jesus.
Cells are meant to work together, with a view to the life of the whole body, not only their own survival. The lessons are obvious and plentiful.
Dr. Brand’s descriptions of the skin, the muscle cells, the rods and cones of the eyes illustrated the value of a unified diversity.
Read this book to delve deeply into both awe at the intricacies of your body and to find encouragement to take your place in the Body of Christ.
The precision and beauty of the body sets a high standard as a metaphor for the church. Every cell, i.e., every Christian, has an immediate connection to the brain, i.e., the head of the Body, Jesus.
Cells are meant to work together, with a view to the life of the whole body, not only their own survival. The lessons are obvious and plentiful.
Dr. Brand’s descriptions of the skin, the muscle cells, the rods and cones of the eyes illustrated the value of a unified diversity.
Read this book to delve deeply into both awe at the intricacies of your body and to find encouragement to take your place in the Body of Christ.
August 6, 2019
I just finished reading a pre-release copy of “Fearfully and Wonderfully” by Dr, Paul Brand and Philip Yancey. It’s well written, describing the wonderful creation called ‘the human body’ with all its parts, how they work and how they fit together. But it’s not just a biology book; it parallels the Body of Christ; how Christians, as the cells in that Body, are connected to the Head, Jesus Christ, how they relate to each other, as well as to the world outside. And what a great ending to the book… but I’ll leave it to you to read to find out! Whether it’s Biology you want to read or a treatise on the meaning and function of the Church, this is for you, and you’ll enjoy beautiful writing to boot. I highly recommend it. #fearfullyandwonderfully – released August 6.
July 29, 2019
Combining intriguing stories from his remarkable work as an orthopedic surgeon working in leprosy colonies with vivid descriptions of how our intricate bodies work seamlessly, Dr. Brand and his co-writer Philip Yancey weave spiritual lessons for us as individuals and for the church. The authors make science highly readable, and the reading brings a sense of wonder at the precise work of the Creator in making man, and at God’s plan for the church to be God to the world around us. With great stories, amazing views of what makes us human physically and philosophically, and a call to be what God made us to be, Fearfully and Wonderfully is a masterpiece not to be missed.
June 11, 2019
I had read several of Philip Yancey’s books and was familiar with who Dr. Paul Brand was, so when I saw this book it intrigued me. This is a reissue and update of two books published a number of years ago. It will be of benefit to any Christian with an interest in health or science to learn more about the wonders of the human body as designed by God. I think it would also be a good resource to give to a non-Christian who was open to learning more about God, especially if they have a health background.
As a nutritionist and committed Christian I highly recommend this book.
As a nutritionist and committed Christian I highly recommend this book.
August 7, 2019
Reading this book is like sitting in a comfy living room with a retired missionary doctor, listening to his most beloved stories. He tells you about his adventures, but even more, he shares the wonders of what God revealed to him through the human body. It's almost like a modern book of parables based on a doctor's insights into the body.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is fascinated by the human body, loves to consider God's creation and what can be learned from it, or is looking for practical and relatable analogies about the body of Christ, the church.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is fascinated by the human body, loves to consider God's creation and what can be learned from it, or is looking for practical and relatable analogies about the body of Christ, the church.
August 13, 2019
This book was truly powerful. Combining the intricacies of the human body, the good design of the Creator, and the missionary faith of the author, this book reveals so much about what it means to bear God's image, and to live out your faith. The author utilizes his extensive knowledge of the human body to talk about God's creation, and his order and healing plans for now and the future. His example of sacrificial love, and medical work serving those with leprosy is also inspirational and challenging. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone.
August 20, 2019
This is a powerful picture of the human body from the smallest, seemingly insignificant cells to the brain. The parallels that are drawn along the way to Christians as the body of Christ drive home the importance of every follower of Christ, no matter their position or view of themselves. I believe this book will challenge you to consider how you fit in to the Body of Christ. If you have ever thought your life insignificant or unimportant to Jesus, read this book.
April 20, 2024
Maybe a 3.5? This book essentially explores different functions of the human body and how these relate to the picture of the church as a spiritual body. Brand’s specialism is in hand reconstruction for leprosy patients, so leprosy is discussed a lot as well as other conditions and treatments. The medical side of it was really interesting. I knew pretty little about leprosy so I enjoyed learning more about that. He also did make some really interesting connections between the physical and spiritual body - I found the chapters on blood and skin to be particularly insightful.
Loses stars mainly because I found some of his theological points wishy washy at best, problematic at worst. Bad choice of bible translation at times. There was also a heavy emphasis on the global church, global issues, global missions etc. which makes sense given his upbringing and career, but just not super helpful for the average Christian trying to live faithfully and love their local church where God has them. There was also a weird error (at least in my copy) on p35 where he attributed an account about Abraham (from Genesis 12) to Moses. Not sure how that got missed in editing!
Overall, I do think it’s worth a read and you’ll probably learn something from it, but be prepared for a few potential eye rolls along the way.
Loses stars mainly because I found some of his theological points wishy washy at best, problematic at worst. Bad choice of bible translation at times. There was also a heavy emphasis on the global church, global issues, global missions etc. which makes sense given his upbringing and career, but just not super helpful for the average Christian trying to live faithfully and love their local church where God has them. There was also a weird error (at least in my copy) on p35 where he attributed an account about Abraham (from Genesis 12) to Moses. Not sure how that got missed in editing!
Overall, I do think it’s worth a read and you’ll probably learn something from it, but be prepared for a few potential eye rolls along the way.
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