Hello World, I’m Alive!

 

What is the spark that gives life to plants, animals, and even us?  This question has eluded scientists and people of faith alike.  In fact, people in science, religion, and philosophy can't agree on what life is.  Before computers, brain research, and AI, science defined life in terms of the maintenance and replication of cells, whereas religion and philosophy defined life in terms of conscientiousness and individuality.  Now beliefs are varied and confused.  This article will delve into these foundational secrets.  

The Science

Classical science has defined life for both plants and animals in terms of five cell properties.   If a cell has 1) compartmentalization, 2) growth and division, 3) information processing, 4) energy transduction and 5) adaptability, then it is “alive”.  Today we can mimic by experiment most of the organic molecules used in the construction of RNA, but the spark that we associate with life has never been produced in the test tube.  However, in the last few decades many have abandoned the “cell definition of life” in favor of artificial reproduction of the brain, specifically because of the advancements in computers, AI, and brain research.  Think of “Data” in Star Trek, or even the cuddly puppies that bring comfort and joy to kids and seniors.  If something can think and reason on some reasonable level is it less alive than a being with cells?  

Abiogenesis is the emergence of life from nonliving organics and is the leading theory regarding how life began on Earth.  There are many virtues and challenges to this theory that are being argued extensively.  Abiogenesis concludes that after about 100-200 million years in the development of the earth its atmosphere and surface became somewhat habitable, and over billions of years organic compounds were produced and the simple single cell life sprang into existence.  

In 1952 Stanley Miller and Urey conducted the groundbreading Miller-Urey experiment.  They used the same primordial atmosphere and conditions believed to have existed 4.4 billion years ago on the earth of methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water with an electric arc (simulating lightning).  The results of the experiment produced some of the amino acids used in proteinogenic, or those incorporated by RNA proteins.  The experiment was repeated again in 2008 and 2010 producing more, but not all proteinogenic amino acids in known life (17 of 22).  Some believe that since all necessary amino acids could not be produced by this process that the protocells, or earliest cells before life, had simpler RNA structure.  

Sometime in the development process, abiogenesis made the “leap of life” to a LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor) cell from which all subsequent life forms descend.  This process has never been produced in the lab, but believed by some that given enough time, say billions of years, that “life will find a way”.  Those abiogenesisists who think this way are not being true to science.  By “whistling past” this important step lays many theoretical details suspect that have this as its foundation.  However, they justify their position by saying life had billions of years, whereas they only had a few weeks or months in the lab.

Proposed Stages in Abiogenesis, or the Origin of Life 1

Creationists (those who believe God provided life to the cells), panspermiaists (yup, this is an actual word, meaning those who believe life was spawned by meteorites), and terraformers (those who believe that life was brought to the earth by aliens) might provide a theory in how life was transferred to earth, but still duck the question of, “what is life”.  Most scientific creationists believe in most of the same earth life timeline and processes (albeit some cling to the 6,000 year belief) as the abiogenesisists, however, they believe that life was introduced on earth by God.  He provided the LUCA spark (or sparks) for the many species of plants and animals.

Top, ‘The Creation of Adam’ (c. 1511) by Michelangelo. (Public Domain), Btm L, Murchison meteorite, Astrobiology at NASA. Btm R, Barrier Canyon, Utah Petroglyoph, © Copyright 2007 Calvin J. Hamilton

The idea that amino acids might have traveled to Earth on meteorites may sound like science fiction, but it's supported by some reasonable evidence.  For example, scientists have found that organic molecules can be produced under high UV and low temperature conditions that could exist in space.  We also know that some organic compounds are found in space and in other star systems.

Terraforming appears in science fiction movies and books.  The idea that life might have been brought here by extraterrestrials has existed since the 1970s.  However, this theory is being suggested by respectable scientists.2  For instance the co-discoverer of DNA,  Francis Crick and the originator of the “RNA world” hypothesis, Leslie Orgel, have suggested that an alien civilization on the verge of extinction could have seeded habitable planets with life.

Recently some scientists have jumped to a new definition of life centered around the brain.  A cynic might point out that since science has blunted its spear on producing a live cell, then why not just redefine what constitutes life?  Hans Moravec published a paper in 1998 (and updated in 2009) “When will computer hardware match the human brain?” 3, that might be dated, but still relevant.  He claims that our current computing technology is on the order of a lizard (approaching a mouse), but before 2050 will rival human intelligence. 4

Evolution of Computer Capability to Mimic the Human Brain3

The Religion

Traditional Christians cite Genesis for the introduction of life. 

(Genesis 2:7, see also, Moses 3:4–7, 19) “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

The Hebrew word for “breath” is “neshama” and is used for vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect, soul, or spirit.5  Most Christians will tell you that God placed Adam’s spirit into his body and he became an animated living soul.  This is also true for most modern talks delivered by general authorities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Interestingly, early members of the LDS church may have understood “breath of life” as being different from the spirit.  John Taylor gave this comment:

“We breathe what we call the breath of life; is it by any action of ours? God made us and planted that principle within us,” and “God has made us and he is our Father. He has planted within us the breath of life and we continue to inhale and breathe day after day.” 6

It seems that John Taylor was talking about something other than the spirit of man.  A close look at Abraham 5:7 may explicitly mention three properties of Adam’s being: 

“And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his spirit (that is, the man’s spirit), and put it into him; and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”

Here it seems that there are three specific parts mentioned: Adam’s body (elements of this world), Adam’s spirit, and the breath of life.  These three made up Adam’s soul.  So, what is the “breath of life”?  Could it be one / or both of two properties; “intelligence” (one of the meanings of neshama), or “the life and light of Christ” (another meaning of neshama).  LDS doctrine gives us four properties that construct man and give him life: 1) his body, 2) intelligence, 3) his spirit (that houses the intelligence), and, 4) the life of Christ.

Let’s briefly look at each of these in the table below and construct what I’ll call a “human life model”.

TOPIC	References
BODY- Created in God’s image and composed of the elements of the kingdom in which it resides.
Looks like God	“I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.” – Moses 2:27, (see also Genesis 1:26-27)
Takes on Elements of Kingdom in which it exists	“Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.  And…”  – D&C 88:29-31
INTELLIGENCE - Co-existed with God independently, capable of thought and motion, center of man’s agency, links and responds to truth, and can grow (gains glory) to a fullness like unto God.
Intelligence is Eternal and uncreated	“Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.”  – D&C 93:29
Possesses agency	“All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.  Behold, here is the agency of man” – D&C 93:30-31
Cleaves to other intelligence, responds to truth, virtue, etc.	“For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.” – D&C 88:40
Co-equal with God	“The mind or the intelligence which man possesses is co-equal with God himself.” — JS, King Follett Discourse, April 7, 1844
Glory of God is Intelligence	“The glory of God is intelligence, or light and truth —a fulness of which can be obtained by mortal man only through obedience to eternal laws.” – D&C 93:36
Expands when obedient	“Intelligence increases as it is exercised and used.” — BY, Journal of Discourses 7:333
Independent, capable of thought and motion	“Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle.” — JS, King Follett Discourse, April 7, 1844 “...the Saints believe in the existence of immense numbers of intelligent atoms that are conscious, intelligent, and have the capacity to think as well. His views were grounded in the basic “premise that all matter is inherently active, self-moving and therefore ‘intelligent in its sphere’” – Orson Pratt, Breck England 150–52
LIGHT OF CHRIST - Existed from the beginning, fills the immensity of the universe(s), power that gives animation and governance to all nature, foundation of truth, and can increase in man.
Not a person but a divine power, law, and influence that proceeds from Christ and fills the universe.	“Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space.” — D&C 88:12
Existed from the beginning	(D&C 93:8-10) “Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation-- The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men. The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.”
Foundation of all Truth
Fundamental principal of life
Animates the universe.	“The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed.” — D&C 88:13 (Acts 17:25) “Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;”
Gives law and governance to the universe.
Universal, given to all
Increases (intelligence) through obedience.	“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light.” — D&C 50:2
SPIRIT BODY - Comprised of intelligence, organized into a body as God’s offspring, composed of refined matter, maintains identity, and the body joined with spirit gives fullness of joy.
Body and spirit together receive a fulness of joy	“Spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy.” — D&C 93:33
Intelligence organized into identity	“Because we are the spirit children of God, everyone has a divine origin, nature, and potential. Each of us 'is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents'. This is our identity!” – Russell M. Ballard
Organized into a body	“...that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created. – D&C77:2 (also see Ether 3:7-16)
Refined matter	There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; – D&C 131:7
Offspring of God	“Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?”  – Hebrews 12:9
Comprised of Intelligence	“The Scriptures called it ‘intelligence,’ which at a certain stage in the pre-existence was organized into a ‘spirit.’ After that spirit had grown to a certain stature it then was given the opportunity by an all-wise Father to come into another stage for its development.” – Harold B. Lee, 1955

From our limited information, life is composed of these four parts; the body, the spirit, intelligence, and the light and life of Christ.  I think that we sometimes underestimate the light of Christ.  Without it all nature would die and fall apart.  Jesus himself said,

(John 8:12) “I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

The Greek word for “light” is phos which means luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative): - fire, light. 7  I believe that light in this sense is not limited to electromagnetic radiation.  It may include photons, but is much more foundational.  

So, from what we know let’s construct a simple system model, as shown below.  On the left is the spirit brain and on the right is the physical, or brain housed in our bodies.

Interestingly, brain research shows that the body brain is capable of motion, emotion, memory, and perception. 8  Thousands of tests have been conducted showing that it is limited to these four functions of the body.  For instance moving a limb, joy and anger, short term and long term memory, and the processing of our senses (sight, touch, etc.) have all been linked to areas of the brain.  However, abstract thinking such as mathematics, music, logic, etc. cannot be found anywhere in the brain.  Some neurosurgeons (non-LDS) claim that these abstract processes are performed somewhere in the soul. 9 

Therefore I propose that there are really two brains, one spiritual and the other physical.  In my simple model I show them separated by a link.  However, they may really be integrated into one package, just different matter.  A filter exists between the two that allows abstract thinking to be shared, but blocks spiritual memory and perceptions that would interfere with and confuse this earth life and its purpose.  Also, the body brain has a virus.  It has an approximate 100 year obsolescence that allows it to no longer function.  Both brains are powered by the light of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

I predict that science will never “light up” the cell.  It is too complex and they are missing three key ingredients, intelligence, the spirit, and the light of Christ.  However, they may build a computer (and robot) that performs on the human level and mimics the physical and known spiritual brain functions within the next couple of decades.

Likewise, the bible leaves us lacking in any details on the “breath of life”.  The little amount of revealed LDS information indicates that animated matter is a complicated and multi-dimensional thing.  I guess we’ll need to ask the first man, Adam.  Hmmm, Adam the first man?  Looks like a topic for another post.

---

1. Origin of life stages, showing the large gap between what can reasonably be inferred and what is not yet understood. Redrawn after Walker, Sara I. (13 November 2017). "Re-conceptualizing the origins of life". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 375 (2109): 20160337. DOI:10.1098/rsta.2016.0337

2. The unreasonable likelihood of being: origin of life, terraforming, and AI, Robert G. Endres, https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.18545

3. “When will computer hardware match the human brain?”, Hans Moravec, Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890, Journal of Evolution and Technology. 1998. Vol. 1.

4. “Rise of the Robots--The Future of Artificial Intelligence”, Hans Moravec, March 23, 2009, Scientific American.

5. Strong’s Concordance, 5397, pg. 81.

6. John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, 17:371 (April 8, 1875); and 20:132 (December 1, 1878).

7. Strong’s Concordance, 5457, pg. 77.

8. Wilder Penfield, “The Mystery of the Mind: A Critical Study of Consciousness and the Human Brain”, ISBN:B0025E7NUY, January 1975, Princeton University Press

9. Michael Egnor & Denyse O’Leary “The Immortal Mind: A Neurosurgeon's Case for the Existence of the Soul”, ISBN: 1546006350, 2025, Worthy