Abstract:
Over several years now, notable research has been undertaken on consciousness from various
disciplines in the natural sciences, especially in neuroscience and Christian theology. This paper
will therefore attempt to add to the current literature in these areas by addressing briefly the
following three main aspects, namely, (1) Presenting a succinct explanation of the various views
of consciousness by select scholars. (2) Exploring briefly the question, ‘Is the emergence of
consciousness a product of an evolved brain?’ (3) Concisely examining the question, ‘Is
consciousness of God and spiritual experiences a divine act and/or a process of an evolved brain?’
Description:
Mark Pretorius is part of the
research project, ‘Theology
of Nature’, directed by Prof.
Dr Johan Buitendag
(Dean, Faculty of Theology),
Department Dogmatics and
Christian Ethics, Faculty of
Theology, University of
Pretoria, South Africa
