Sydney Smith 
Denysha Taylor The curious case of Phineas Gage serves as a metaphor for the fall. Working as a railroad construction supervisor, Phineas Gage was in an unfortunate accident when an explosion blew an iron tamping rod through his skull. The rod went from below his left eye to the top of his head. By some miracle Phineas Gage survived and recovered completely, physically speaking. While everything looked normal from the outside, however, Gage’s personality was what really changed. Dr. John Harlow quoted: “He is fitful, irreverent, indulging at times in the grossest profanity (which was not previously his custom)…” Things, internally, had changed for the worst.
Just as Phineas Gage’s life was radically transformed because of a certain incident, I believe that is the same effect that the fall has on us. While things may look nice from the outside, the internal effects that the fall has on mankind has drastically transformed the way man thinks and acts. Mark 7:20-23 states, “And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” As we see here, the result of the fall begins inside man, and manifests itself in outward actions – just as Phineas Gage was changed internally.
Jessica Weeden
2:37 pm, 10.20.13
Rebecca, I like that you chose to discuss the Phineas Gage case for this blog post. His story is rather interesting and poses lots of questions to the inherent nature of man. The verse you cited from Mark makes me ask whether the nature of Gage was what was manifested outwardly prior to or following his accident. Obviously we know that the results are attributed to the biological consequences of his accident but that verse brings to light many of the questions that remain about the responsibility and accountability individuals have for their actions.
I agree that the result of the fall begins inside man and is manifested outwardly. I just also wonder how much of outward actions are a reflection of our heart. I believe that verse to be true but we all know of people who outwardly put on show as well as recognize cases like Gage where other explanations for behavior abound. Hmm…what to make of this?
Jennifer Valenzuela
4:06 pm, 10.20.13
Becs, this is really great insight. Because of the fall, we are changed internally and it manifests itself in the way we live our lives. Fortunately, we are redeemed in Christ but for poor Phineas it was a different story. His case shows the brokenness of the world as a result of sin and the fall.
Irene Anderson
5:03 pm, 10.21.13
I am so glad you mentioned Phineas Gage. This whole incident represents very well what happened to him physically and what happened to us spiritually. This post was short and sweet just like you! Great insight!
Kami Earle
11:56 pm, 10.21.13
I really like that you mentioned Phineas Gage! I find the whole case and concept to be really fascinating. The fact that personality can be altered by a physical change still astounds me. And this also relates to the Fall really well. Great post!