(Review) Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey

Publisher and Publication Date: InterVarsity Press. 2019. First published 1980.
Genre: Christian nonfiction. Human body.
Pages: 264.
Source: Self-purchase.
Audience: Christian readers.
Rating: Excellent.

Amazon link

Summary:
Dr. Paul Brand (1914-2003) was an orthopedic surgeon in India and the United States. He grew up in India. He was known for his care of leprosy patients.
Philip Yancey (born in 1949) is a Christian writer. Yancey and Brand paired for the writing of this book in 1980. Yancey and IVP have updated the book to a new edition.

The title Fearfully and Wonderfully is taken from Psalm 139: 13-14. ESV.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Fearfully and Wonderfully is about the wonder of the human body that God created. The human body’s purpose and its various functions are examined. For example: skin, bones, and blood.
Dr. Brand shares stories about his life in the medical field through medical study and training, and his patients.

My Thoughts:
This is the second time I’ve read this book. I first read it back in the 1980s. I was so young then… It was a book I’d borrowed from the library. It made an impression on me because I didn’t forget it. I carried a few memories of the book. For example, Dr. Brand’s stories about leprosy. Reading Fearfully and Wonderfully gave me a different perspective of this hideous skin condition.

My favorite section is when Dr. Brand teaches about the importance of touch. Jesus healed by touching people. Jesus wanted those people to know he cared, and “to feel his love and compassion.” Page 76.

One of the most profound statements that I read and I’m still thinking about.
“The basis for unity within any human community begins not with our similarity but with our diversity.” Page 41.

Dr. Brand’s personality came across strongly in the book. I saw his courage, kindness, and purposeful nature. He was a remarkable gentleman and physician.