Origin - What is the origin of the universe?
Meaning - What gives life Meaning?
Morality - How should I live my life? Why should I live this way instead of some other way?
Destiny - What is the chief end of life, where is it going?
Are there any others? If so what are they, and why do you believe this question or these questions are is universally applicable?
Why do we, as humans, seek the answers to these questions?
4 comments:
Hey Jim! You posted!
I think some people would suggest that we are "hard wired" to pursue these types of questions. They point to value that is outside of us.
I think we seek the answer to these questions because man, since the dawn of time (whenever you think that is) has searched for meaning. Has searched not only for why he is there, but why everything else exists the way it is.
It is interesting your grouping "Origin, Meaning, Morality, and Destiny." Have you read the book "Competing Worldviews" by Dr. Martin? You can pick it up in our school's library.
Josh -
I appreciate you willingness to respond to my post, especially since I never seem get over to your blog and rarely post to my own.
I have not read Dr. Martin’s book but I had a great deal of respect for him as a professor.
Why do you think that man, since the beginning of time, has sought these specific questions? I think what I am trying to probe is, why does there seem to be this “need”? You hit on part of this with the “hard wiring” but where and why are they there?
I think the typical Christian answer is to say either that: 1. God has given us these questions to seek him out or 2. That we have these questions because we are fallen and the absence of such fundamental knowledge, significance, and instruction causes us to seek what we are missing.
I like option two best because it seems to explain more and is very logical. Option one is a very viable option but I don’t want it to exclude the fact that God is very much seeking us and that we are much more interested in seeking ourselves and our pleasures.
What do you think?
What would a Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or Atheist say?
Great thoughts Jim...
First and foremost I think an Atheist would say that we are disillusioned when we have these 'greater than us' thoughts. They would say (in my opinion) that we have "deceived" ourselves or have been wrongly convinced.
I don't think an Atheist would say there is hard wiring to seek after deeper meaning--unless this hard wiring it to prompt us in realizing there isn't a deeper meaning. But I'm not an Atheist so I can't fully respond to that question.
Although as a Christian I think we have "more ammo" on our side (for this particular argument of yearning and being hard wired) than the Atheist.
However, this still doesn't really address the issue of "absence"
I really struggle with what a Buddhist might say about this.
As you well know C.S. Lewis deducted that there was only really "two" options to "choose from" Christianity and Buddhism. Both seek to better the individual and seek harmony (not just within oneself) but within community.
How do you think a Buddhist might answer this one and what do you think about the void (my atheist argument) being the prodding question for us to realize there is no deeper meaning (although it seems counterproductive, I feel that I've hear that from someone before--maybe not though)
Well I've gone on for far too long and I fear that I'm not making much sense, so perhaps I should stop. But by all means, let me know what you think : )
Oh...and work?!
josh
What?
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