The Breath of the Divine - Audiobook

The Breath of the Divine: Air, Consciousness, and Scripture
Audiobook
Written By James Pullen
Introduction

The profound connection between the air we breathe, the consciousness we possess, and the divine presence of God is a concept ripe for contemplation. This exploration begins with a simple yet powerful observation: when deprived of air, consciousness is the very first thing that dissipates, even before the heart ceases its beat. This immediate loss of awareness, directly linked to the absence of breath, suggests a fundamental relationship between the air around us and the essence of our being, a relationship that resonates deeply with scriptural teachings.

**The Breath of Life**

The most direct biblical parallel to this idea is found in the creation narrative, where God imparts life through breath. In Genesis 2:7, the Geneva Bible states:

"Then 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."

Similarly, the Wycliffe Bible renders Genesis 2:7 as:

"Therefore the Lord God made man of the slime of the earth, and breathed into his face the spirit of life; and man was made into a living soul."

Here, the very act of becoming a "living soul" is a direct result of God's "breath of life." If this breath, this vital air, is withdrawn, life and consciousness inevitably cease. This foundational act of creation establishes air as not merely a physical element, but as the conduit for existence and awareness itself, mirroring the divine source from which it originates.

**Attributes of the Unseen**

Consider the inherent characteristics of air and how they reflect the nature of God:

1. **Invisibility**: Air, though essential, remains unseen. This invisibility aligns with the spiritual nature of God, who is often described as beyond physical sight.

- As stated in John 4:24 of the Geneva Bible: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth." - The Wycliffe Bible echoes this in John 4:24: "God is a spirit; and it behooveth them that worship him, to worship him in spirit and in truth." A spirit, by its very definition, is not discernible by the physical eye.

2. **Omnipotence and Omnipresence**: Air is universally present, enveloping the entire world and sustaining all life within it. Its pervasive and indispensable nature reflects the omnipotence and omnipresence of God.

- The omnipresence of God is beautifully articulated in Psalm 139:7-8 in the Geneva Bible: "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." - The Wycliffe Bible conveys this in Psalm 139:7-8: "Whither shal I go fro thi spirit? and whither shal I fle fro thi face? If I stye in to heuene, thou art there; if I go doun to hellis, thou art present." Just as air fills every space, God's presence is boundless. The vital power of air, sustaining life, also serves as a physical testament to the divine power that upholds all creation.

**The Spirit as Wind and Breath**

The linguistic roots in both Hebrew ("ruach") and Greek ("pneuma") for "spirit" often encompass meanings of "wind" or "breath," forging another profound connection to this concept.

In John 3:8, discussing the Spirit, the Geneva Bible notes:

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every man that is born of the Spirit."

Here, the Holy Spirit, the divine essence, is likened to the wind—invisible, pervasive, and mysterious in its origin and destination, much like the air described.

The Wycliffe Bible renders John 3:8 as:

"The spirit breatheth where he will, and thou hearest his voice, but thou knowest not whereof he cometh, neither whither he goeth; so is every man that is born of the Spirit."

The absolute dependence of all living beings on air for their very existence and consciousness directly mirrors the biblical teaching of humanity's complete reliance on God for life itself. The air, this invisible and omnipresent force, is literally the "breath of life" that sustains us. In this light, what often appears to be a mere physical element can be understood as a continuous and tangible manifestation of the divine presence that both grants and upholds all life.

**Corroborating Evidence and Scriptural Parallels**

To further solidify the connection between air, consciousness, and the divine, we can explore additional scriptural references and philosophical contemplations:

1. **The Psalms and Breath**: Psalm 104:29-30 in the Geneva Bible states, "Thou hidest thy face, and they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, and they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, and they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth." This passage emphasizes the direct relationship between God's breath (Spirit) and the creation and renewal of life.

2. **Ezekiel's Vision**: In Ezekiel 37:9, the Geneva Bible describes the prophet's vision of dry bones coming to life: "Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." Here, the wind, or breath, is explicitly associated with the restoration of life, mirroring the initial act of creation.

3. **Jesus' Teachings**: In Matthew 4:4, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, saying, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." This teaching underscores the idea that life is sustained not only by physical sustenance but also by the divine word, which can be seen as a metaphorical breath of life.

4. **Philosophical Contemplations**: Philosophers and theologians throughout history have pondered the nature of breath and its connection to consciousness and the divine. For instance, the ancient Greeks saw the breath (pneuma) as the vital principle that animated the body, a concept that resonates with the biblical view of the breath of life.

5. **Scientific Perspectives**: Modern science, while not addressing the spiritual aspects, confirms the profound impact of breath on consciousness. Studies in neurobiology and psychology have shown that breathing patterns can significantly influence mental states, emotions, and cognitive functions. This scientific understanding further supports the biblical and philosophical notions of breath as a vital force.

**Conclusion**

The exploration of the relationship between air, consciousness, and the divine reveals a profound and multifaceted connection. The air we breathe is not merely a physical necessity but a tangible manifestation of the divine presence that sustains all life. This understanding is deeply rooted in scriptural teachings and reinforced by philosophical and scientific contemplations. As we reflect on the breath of life, we are invited to see it as a continuous reminder of our dependence on God and the sacred nature of our existence. In every breath, we partake in the divine, experiencing the very essence of creation and consciousness that God has bestowed upon us.