The Origin and Nature of Man
Where did man come from? What is he made of? Does he have a soul? Is he born good or evil?
The answers to these questions influence the decision making, outlook, and overall health of an individual. This ultimately affects whole societies and generations. How a man thinks about his nature and existence is no small matter. Yet, it is what he thinks exists beyond himself that is the most significant.
If man is here because matter always existed and then multiplied over time to form humanity, there is no accountability for our actions. There is no purpose for existing. There is no soul or metaphysical reality. If someone decides to murder and they get away with it, meaning the law of the land doesn’t find them out, they get away with it forever. None of the secret abuses of man will ever be judged. Ironically, justice is desired by all within the human heart! Where does justice come from if the only thing that exists outside ourselves is more atoms and molecules?
If we are only neurons, then there is no reason to love, live ethically, or pursue ambitions. Unless we make decisions for our own pleasure and benefit, life is purposely, hopeless, and meaningless if we are reduced to the fundamental elements of matter. We have all experienced pain, sorrow, and harm at the hands of others. If there is no authority beyond humanity, who gets to decide what is right and wrong and who is in charge? Is it the more powerful man who forms a most powerful group? If so, then we all better begin to get stronger, faster, political, and accumulate more destructive weapons. In this case, it is the survival of the fittest that rule and decides who can do what to who. The fittest can harm and cause pain and get away with it. If you are not genetically predisposed to be a part of the highest chain of the fittest, you are doomed. It would seem in that world, only the strong get to live with meaning and that can be reduced to using others for their gain. The majority of individuals in that world are victims of inadequate genetics.
So, where do genetics come from? Well, in a world evolved from minuscule matter, genes are a process of chance. It is a gamble and like all casinos, most lose. In fact, even the dominant one, if judged by the law, could plead their genetics made them do it. Who can argue with that? Well, we all could if we think about it long enough.
It is only in the recent years of history that people that have believed in such illogical, fallacious, unreasonable solutions to the existence of man. This worldview only adds up to those most powerful but even then it does not add up ethically, philosophical, and psychologically. For history would tell us that it is rare for the dominant one to feel satisfied within the depths of their heart from stepping on people to get their way. We might even ask, what is satisfaction in a world where we are just protons and electrons.
At COR, we are taking a look at the nature and existence of humans. We are attempting to answer the questions above and take them seriously. We believe that man has purpose, meaning, intrinsic value, and can be satisfied within. If you are seeking answers to these questions, you can always contact us. We would also enjoy it if you joined our gathering Sunday at 10 AM.