Zinc Flash and The Imputation of a Soul Part 3

Where is the Mind

The Neo-Darwinist argument that the brain is the source of the mind or consciousness/mental processes relies on the premise that life is the product of chance, necessity, and time. However, this framework struggles to address a foundational question: how life arose from non-life. The study of this phenomenon, known as abiogenesis, highlights the challenges of materialistically explaining life’s origins. Despite extensive research, science has yet to demonstrate how life could emerge from non-living matter such as chemicals, minerals, or crystals.[1] [2] This unresolved question about life’s origins influences broader ethical frameworks. The pro-choice perspective, rooted in a materialist understanding of life, often treats human existence as a cosmic accident. Within this framework, the mother becomes the ultimate arbiter of truth and moral justification regarding the life of the preborn, with the decision to keep or abort a child resting on her ethical values.

Despite what has been popularized, science has not determined the seat or nexus of the soul/consciousness. Douglas Heaven writes for the New Scientist, “Self-awareness and other high-level cognitive functions probably do not relate to the brain in a simple way. They involve layers of abstraction and mechanisms that cannot be explained by standard functional-neuroanatomy. He suggests that there are fundamental mechanisms yet to be discovered. ‘We would all like simple answers to complicated questions, and we tend to oversimplify our conceptions about the brain and the consciousness’”[3] Olivia Goldhill writes in Quartz. “No doubt, the brain plays an incredibly important role. But our mind cannot be confined to what’s inside our skull, or even our body, according to a definition first put forward by Dan Siegel, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine and the author of a recently published book, ‘Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human.’”[4] [5]

This unresolved complexity challenges the reductionist view often invoked in pro-choice arguments, which claim that without a brain, there can be no mind or personhood, which is evident in the likely Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA. vs. Casey decision.  Instead, the scientific ambiguity supports the view that the soul or consciousness transcends physical processes, aligning with the idea that the soul is a uniquely created, immaterial entity. Psalm 62:5: “My soul, wait in silence for God only.”

This verse highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the human soul. The psalmist acknowledges the need for silence and stillness, suggesting that the soul is capable of introspection and turmoil. The phrase “my soul” implies a deep self-awareness, indicating that the soul is a complex and dynamic entity. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the soul’s dependence on God, implying that its complexity is intertwined with its relationship with the divine. This underscores the idea that the soul is not a static or easily definable entity but rather a dynamic and multifaceted aspect of human nature shaped by its interactions with God and the world.[6]

The ongoing study of the brain, mind, and soul remains a profound and inspiring pursuit. Yet, its complexity suggests that the soul is not merely a byproduct of neural activity but a distinct and transcendent aspect of human existence. “The study of the brain, mind, and soul has engaged some of the finest intellects of yesteryears. It remains an ennobling and inspiring pursuit, worthy of all those who are dedicated votaries of science.”[7]

If humans are entirely a product of Neo-Darwinist forces, the consciousness and soul would also need to originate from purely material processes. JP Moreland critiques John Searle’s Biological Naturalism and the Argument from Consciousness in the Faith and Philosophy journal. The Argument from Biological Naturalism represents one of the primary theories for consciousness from a neo-Darwinist perspective.  The important part is Searle’s analysis of the mind:

Searle offers his analysis of the mind as a naturalistic account because, he says, no one in the modern world can deny ” … the obvious facts of physics-for example, that the world is made up entirely of physical particles in fields of force … “2h An acceptance of naturalism is constituted by an acknowledgment of the atomic theory of matter and evolutionary biology both of which allow for micro to micro or micro to macro causal explanations, but not macro to micro ones.27 According to Searle, dualism in any form is widely rejected because it is correctly considered to be inconsistent with the scientific world view.2s He also claims that because people educated in the contemporary scientific world view know how the world works, the existence of God is no longer a serious candidate for truth. 29 But a commitment to naturalism and a concomitant rejection of dualism have blinded people to the point that they feel compelled to reject what is obvious to experience, namely, the obvious nature of consciousness and intentionality.[8]

Searle’s analysis highlights that the concept of God is no longer relevant to defining truth, leaving science as the sole arbiter. However, evidence suggesting that consciousness extends beyond the brain challenges the reductionist view that personhood is determined purely by physical processes. If the mind and soul are integrated throughout the individual, personhood cannot be confined to brain development stages alone. This perspective shifts the focus to other markers, such as conception or the zinc flash—a biological event symbolizing the transition from gamete to embryo. While not definitive proof, the zinc flash offers a compelling biological reference point for the metaphysical argument that the soul is imbued at conception.

Neo-Darwinism struggles to explain the origins of immaterial aspects of human existence, such as the soul or consciousness, which cannot be fully reduced to neural activity. This opens the door for the positive case that the mind and soul are formed through supernatural forces, aligning with the belief in a universe created by an immaterial God. Thus, the mind and soul should be understood as transcending purely physical processes, with the brain serving as the primary medium for interaction with the physical world. This perspective reinforces the idea that personhood begins with conception and is rooted in the holistic existence of the soul within the individual.

The idea of the zinc flash as evidence for the imputation of the soul is not new, as detractors, including Stacy Trasancos in 2016, have critiqued its interpretation. Trasancos accurately identifies the zinc flash as an “inorganic signature” of zinc release, observed through fluorescence microscopy, and cautions against overstating its significance for pro-life arguments. She writes, “The ‘flash of light’ only refers to the ‘inorganic signature’ of the ‘zinc spark’ detected with fluorescence microscopy in the laboratory—an analytical technique.”[9] Her concern is valid: misrepresenting the science could undermine the credibility of pro-life advocacy. However, while her analysis focuses on the physical phenomenon, the broader metaphysical implications are left unexplored. For example, just as a flush of the skin can result from an intangible emotion like love, the zinc flash could signify a metaphysical event, such as the imputation of the soul.

Similarly, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) scans detect physical brain states corresponding to cognitive processes, bridging the physical and metaphysical. The scan detects “time-varying changes in brain metabolism.”[10] This means it detects the physical brain states “consequent to task-induced cognitive state changes or the result of unregulated processes in the resting brain.”[11] While physical brain activity, such as electrical signals, is a necessary component of movement, the instantiation of physical action ultimately originates from the person’s intention, which transcends purely physical processes. For instance, when a computer is powered on, electricity flows through its circuits, enabling the system to process commands. However, the intention to open a program like Word originates externally, reflecting a purposeful directive that the hardware is designed to execute. Similarly, the zinc flash could signify the imputation of the soul—an external metaphysical event revealed through a physical process. Thus, just as FMRI scans reveal brain states corresponding to cognitive thought, the zinc flash could represent the metaphysical event of the soul’s imputation, bridging human life’s physical and spiritual dimensions.

 This perspective does not contradict Trasancos’ caution but expands the discussion, suggesting that scientific phenomena like the zinc flash can serve as markers for metaphysical truths. By acknowledging the limitations of empirical science and engaging in logical, reasoned inference, we can explore human life’s origins and significance more holistically. 

[1] David Klinghoffer, “New Abiogenesis Series: James Tour Strikes Back,” Evolution News, February 11, 2011, accessed November 24, 2024, from https://evolutionnews.org/2021/02/new-abiogenesis-series-james-tour-strikes-back/.

[2] James Tour, “Animadversions of a Synthetic Chemist, Inference, May 2016, accessed November 24, 2024, from https://inference-review.com/article/animadversions-of-a-synthetic-chemist.

[3] Douglas Heaven, “Location of the mind remain a mystery,” New Scientist, August 22, 2012 accessed November 10, 2024 from https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22205-location-of-the-mind-remains-a-mystery/.

[4] Oliva Goldhill, “Scientists say your mind isn’t confined to your brain or even your body,” Quartz, December 24, 2016, accessed November 10, 2024, from https://qz.com/866352/scientists-say-your-mind-isnt-confined-to-your-brain-or-even-your-body.

[5] Daniel J. Siegel, “Mind: A Journey to the Heart of a Being Human,” (New York, New York: W. W. Norton & Company Inc., 2017).

[6] Brave Browser AI Search, “Bible Verse about the complexity of the soul,” December 16, 2024, Brave, https://search.brave.com/.

[7] Sunil K Pandya, “Understanding Brain, Mind and Soul: Contributions from Neurology and Neurosurgery,” National Library of Medicine, January 2011, accessed November 10, 2024, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3115284/.

[8] J.P. Moreland, “Searles Biological Naturalism and the Argument from Consciousness,” Faith and Philosophy, Vol. 15, Issues 1, Article 5, (January 1, 1998) accessed December 16, 2024, from https://place.asburyseminary.edu/faithandphilosophy/vol15/iss1/5/.

[9] Stacy Trasancos, “Contrary to Reports, There is No Flash of Light at Conception,” National Catholic Register,” May 23, 2016, accessed November 24, 2024, from https://www.ncregister.com/blog/contrary-to-reports-there-is-no-flash-of-light-at-conception.

[10] Gary H. Glover, Overview of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” National Library of Medicine,” April 1, 2012, accessed November 24, 2024, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3073717/.

[11] Ibid.,