In the Likeness of God by Philip Yancey - Book Report/Review Example

The opening scene leads to Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore, India. The narrator is the leprosy surgeon himself who was working with his students among patients. He describes an intern's face reacting to a patient who could possibly be infected with a sexual disease. The facial reaction of the student-doctor was the likes of Brand's old chief surgeon in London, Prof. Robin Pilcher and Brand was watching. Dr. Brand gasps and the students wonder. This is explained later on as "a small pattern of facial muscles appropriate for a particular medical situation [that] remains alive and visible on my face and the faces of my students" [page 23].

It was the expression of concern, of pity, of compassion, and love for the suffering, for those in pain, for those disempowered physically. Dr. Brand would say later on: "What God has in mind is similar, but far greater. He is asking us to be the chief bearers of his Likeness in the world. [Page 23].Purpose of the book. Dr. Brand wanted the world to know that the absence of pain was what deformed and crippled the leprosy patient. Their hands and their feet did not just rot away due to the disease as commonly believed.

With the patient being able to feel pain, he may watch out and care for himself. The book may be intended for doctors that they may see their patients in the likeness of the maker and be more compassionate. It may also be intended for leprosy patients that they may be encouraged.Strengths/weaknesses of the book. The reader gets the feeling that he is right there in the scenes portrayed. The writing style is very relaxing. The book makes one wonder at the beauty of the human body and the fact that when one part aches, the whole body suffers.

There are, however, some debatable statements made that are not biblical. For instance, the authors said, "We are not 'mere mortals'. We are all of us, immortals." (Page 13, Likeness)What I learned. There are many truths pointed out in the book. For example, the mirror concept which says one can derive strength from those accepting you after having become ugly. Just one look at these people is enough to strengthen you. There is also the "Quasimondo Complex" where a person tends to look at himself based much on the image others have for him.

In our daily language we are unconsciously equating ugliness to evil and beauty to good, and as a result, make it hard for people to love those bearing deformities and scars [page 31]. There is also the truth that when one part of our body suffers, the other parts suffer. Pain, it is said, is necessary for growth. It makes one wonder about his existence and the meaning of it all. When a person cries from suffering and pain, he finds rest in a meaningful connection with his Maker.