Why My FaithPhilosophy
The physical world has a very strong influence on the perception of reality. It provides our five senses with a constant stream of data that is hard to ignore. But are we just data processing machines? If I pause to consider the possibility of a larger measure of reality, I discover questions that a purely materialistic view of the world doesn't satisfy.
The following observations are elegantly resolved if we consider that we reflect attributes of a being that designed and created us in his image.
Self-Awareness
The fact that we are self-aware, can think, reason, and reflect on our own existence, is a strange and ironic phenomenon. Our thoughts, feelings and intuitions are complex and mysterious, and force us to consider that there is more to reality than only our physical senses.
Morality
The existence of morality is a strong hint that humans have an awareness of a higher order, or something outside ourselves. The fact that we have a sense of right and wrong, and that we believe we can judge what is good and what is evil, shows that we are much more than biological machines whose sole purpose is survival.
If this is true it means there is no such thing as objective morality. It means every version of morality is equal, and potentially beneficial for our survival if natural selection takes its course. It means that no one can claim any higher ground over anybody else's version, no matter how twisted that version might appear. Do you really believe this?
Morality is also a uniquely human concept, animals can do whatever they want and it is not considered good or bad. So it does not appear to be an evolutionary trait, but at best a product of intelligence. In fact, our morality is often a force that goes against our purely biological drive, we must "choose" to follow it or not, and even what we believe it is. It doesn't really seem connected to the ideas of evolution at all.
Even evolutionists like Richard Dawkins are realising the immense value that the objective morality of Christianity has brought to society. He calls himself a "Cultural Christian", an ironic position given his tireless work in attempting to cut down the tree he lives in. This might lead some to claim that religion itself is an evolutionary creation for survival. However this idea suffers the same flaw as before, that if it were true, no one can claim any higher ground over anybody else's version, no matter how twisted it might appear. Again, do you really believe this?
Jesus said "Love your neighbour as yourself". Or in today's terms, "treat everyone as an equal". How much pain and suffering over thousands of years could we have avoided if we all just did what he said?
Meaning
The search for meaning is a fundamental human drive. We look for purpose in life, for worthy causes, and for ways to leave a legacy for others. Having "something to live for" is such an important part of our lives that without it we often struggle to function.
Beauty
The deep human appreciation of this thing we call beauty is another abstract and mysterious phenomenon. We are inexplicably moved and inspired to create and appreciate art, music, and literature, to travel and experience nature, culture, and architecture. We are wired to create, and to enjoy creations, in a myriad of forms.
Love
The beauty of human relationship is perhaps the most intriguing element of our existence. The powerful effect of "love" in all its forms on the human soul is undeniable. Humans are capable of incredible things when motivated by love, and the lack of it can be devastating and destructive. In our heart of hearts we know that love is the most real thing in the world, even though it cannot be seen with anything but the eyes of the heart. Interestingly the Bible says that "God is love", and in the same way that we know that love is real, we can also know that God is too.
Justice
There are those who suggest that all these philosophical instincts are just the result of evolution, a byproduct of a complex brain that has evolved to survive. This however actually introduces another observation asking for an explanation. If morality, love and ethics are just adventageous fictions, then we have absolutely no right to be outraged at the injustices of the world. We have no right to demand respect, dignity, fairness or honesty. Since animals killing animals is a natural part of the world, how can we stand in moral judgement against those without morality. But no, we do. We do because we know there is something different about humanity, that we should somehow be accountable for our actions.
References
Morality is not a biological issue
The Creation Basis for Morality
Matthew 22:39