Noticed how walnuts, that are said to be great for the brain, share a striking resemblance with it? We ask experts if bizarre connections are actually scientific signs
When they were teaching you the WYSIWYG, or What You See Is What You Get in computer class, little did you realise how relevant it would be to human health. As bizarre as it may sound, or look, certain foods bear a striking similarity to the organs they are beneficial for. Is it just a coincidence, or is it a less-understood sign?
“A sliced carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye and yes, science says carrots enhance blood flow to the eyes. So, the connection is scientific,” says Dr Shachi Sohal, senior dietician with Dr BL Kapur Hospital. Carrots contain a carotenoid called beta-carotene, which gets converted to Vitamin A in our body. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and an anti-oxidant that helps you see normally in the dark and promotes the growth and health of all body cells and tissues. Anti-oxidants like Vitamin A are essential for healthy eyes. Vitamin A maintains the functionality of rod cells in the eyes that are responsible for night vision.
Dr Shachi also supports the walnut-brain theory. “The gnarled folds of a walnut mimic the appearance of a human brain, and provide a clue to the benefits. Walnuts have often been referred to as brain food owing to the high concentration of omega 3 fats, which help brain cells function efficiently. The human brain consists of more than 60% structural fat,” she says.
Revelation 16 in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament’s Book of Revelation, describes a series of catastrophic events that will occur during the end times. These events are often referred to as the “Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath.” The earthquake you’re referring to occurs during the pouring out of the seventh bowl, which is described in Revelation 16:17-21.
Here’s the passage:
Revelation 16:17-21 (NIV):The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail because the plague was so terrible.
This passage describes a massive earthquake, unprecedented in its severity, that will cause widespread devastation. The great city mentioned is often interpreted as Babylon the Great, representing a center of worldly power and opposition to God. The earthquake’s impact is so immense that it causes cities to collapse, islands to disappear, and mountains to vanish. Additionally, giant hailstones add to the destruction, symbolizing the completeness and finality of God’s judgment.
The term General Resurrection refers to a belief in many religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, that all the dead will be resurrected at the end of time. This concept is often associated with the final judgment and the ultimate fate of humanity. Here’s an overview of the general resurrection concept:
1. Christianity
In Christian eschatology, the general resurrection is a key event. It is believed that at the end of the world, all the dead will be raised bodily and judged by God. This belief is based on various scriptural references and is a central tenet of many Christian creeds.
Key Points:
Scriptural Basis: The general resurrection is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including the Old Testament (e.g., Daniel 12:2) and the New Testament (e.g., John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15, and Revelation 20:12-13).
Purpose: The resurrection serves to reunite the soul with a transformed, incorruptible body. It is followed by the final judgment, where individuals are judged according to their deeds and faith.
Final Judgment: After the resurrection, the righteous are believed to be rewarded with eternal life in Heaven, while the wicked face eternal punishment or separation from God. There are variations in this belief across different Christian denominations.
2. Judaism
In Jewish eschatology, the belief in the resurrection of the dead is present, though interpretations and emphasis can vary.
Key Points:
Scriptural References: The idea is found in the Hebrew Bible, notably in the Book of Daniel (12:2) and in later Jewish writings and rabbinic literature.
Resurrection and the World to Come: The resurrection is associated with the Messianic era and the world to come (Olam Ha-Ba). It is seen as a time when the righteous will be rewarded.
3. Islam
In Islam, the resurrection of the dead (Al-Ba’ath) is a fundamental belief. It is associated with the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah), when all individuals will be resurrected and judged by Allah.
Key Points:
Qur’anic Teachings: The Qur’an frequently mentions the resurrection and the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that all people will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds.
Judgment: The righteous will be rewarded with Paradise (Jannah), while the wicked will face punishment in Hell (Jahannam).
4. Other Religious and Philosophical Traditions
While the concept of a general resurrection is most prominently associated with the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), other religious and philosophical systems may have analogous beliefs about life after death or a final judgment.
Variations:
Zoroastrianism: This ancient religion also has a concept of resurrection and final judgment.
Hinduism and Buddhism: These religions typically focus on reincarnation rather than resurrection, with the cycle of rebirths (samsara) continuing until one achieves liberation (moksha or nirvana).
Theological and Philosophical Considerations
The general resurrection raises various theological and philosophical questions, such as the nature of the resurrected body, the continuity of personal identity, and the criteria for judgment. Different religious traditions have developed various doctrines and interpretations to address these issues.
The belief in a general resurrection provides hope and a framework for understanding justice, morality, and the ultimate destiny of humanity in many religious worldviews.
