THERE ARE A FEW UNDENIABLE QUESTIONS THAT EVERY MAN MUST ANSWER. DO YOU KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THEM?
After reading a few articles that illustrate the declining rate of belief in God among college graduates (Pew, 2020), college freshmen (Scientific American 2017), and the population in general, here is my response:
From then to now...
In the 21st century, we have developed devices that allow transcontinental communication within SECONDS (cellphones, laptops, etc.).
We have developed machines that serve to create a luxurious standard of living. We have reached the planets and stars, we have studied the existence of the Universe with pristine detail.
And yet...
despite all of man's remarkable contributions, there are questions that the common man cannot seem to answer- questions that have dangled over the heads of our existence since its inception (Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2007). From childhood to the end of our lives, it seems that there has always been an inner wrestle with these questions that fuel all of a common man's striving in the first place (Ligonier Ministries, 2018)):
How did Life come to be in the first place?
1. Where did we come from?
To what Purpose is my Life?
2. Why am I here?
What is my Moral Compass?
3. How may I choose between right and wrong?
Is there a life after death?
4. What happens to me when I die?
Why, my friends why, have we left the WHY behind our WHAT aside? Why have Universities failed to educate students on WHY they are here, what they were made for, and the impacts of their contributions to those around them?
In times like today, those four questions lay the foundation for how we get through (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, 2020). Without the routine of work, school, or a career, one is left within the confines of his home to evaluate himself and reflect upon his life.
Ask yourself, was it worth it? Was all of it worth it? Everything you lived your life for? Everything you didn't live your life for?
The answer to those questions ignite our complete existence...
Without the proper answers, existence seems purposeless. Exhibiting this belief is one of the many reasons leading to a higher suicide rate (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2018). Without the proper answers, many see it fit to resort to the abortion of their own existence. And it fits- if all this life is, is a cycle of eternally running in circles, why keep running if it's getting me nowhere?
I urge you, if you have not considered this before, to ask yourself these questions. And if you have, what are your answers? Leave a comment below, share with others and see if there's any common ground.
If you have grappled with the answers to these questions, I want to share with you my answers. After looking at all the ways to answer these questions completely and coherently, I have found one where in them I have found peace, the fuel for my purpose, strength, and hope for my future.
It's beyond living this life. We only get one chance at this. And if this is the only chance we get, why not give it our all?
1. The Big Bang Theory created this Earth. The Light that resulted in today's world as we know it was an incredible explosion of life. I believe that something had to have existed even before the Big Bang. And I call that thing, God.
2. My Life's Purpose is found in the Love that this God has for me. A Father that knows me beyond man's knowledge, and who holds knowledge and love for me beyond even that of my parents.
3. Because I believe in this God, I believe that as any parent would, he guides my life. He protects me as his own child. Because I believe in God, I am given my moral compass from him, the creator of everything, including right and wrong.
4. My death doesn't result in a cessation of my existence. Rather, I continue living, but out of this physical world. This new reality after my life ends on Earth means that I will be completely reunited with the creator of everything.
Ultimately, while researching and formulating responses to these questions, I have found that a Christian Worldview answers all four of these in a profound, life changing way. (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, 2015) An eternal God always has and always will carry the existence of a temporal world within his hands. He is love, and created us and everything around us within his love. This means that he loves us before we were even created on this Earth!! He desires for us to recognize and live a life that reflects this belief. This powerful God is what guides my life and provides me with the hope, that after running a good race here on Earth, I will see the eternal glory of a different universe, the place from where our world began!!
Whether I am in school, working, or simply living life, I know I have this very God actively encouraging me, paying attention to me, loving me, guiding me, and cheering me on in everything I do. In everything, he eagerly watches for my success. And I live to make my life meaningful for and because of Him.
I recognize that something greater than the Big Bang has to exist. And I call that thing God. I believe Christianity encompasses the answers we all need. I am not here to argue, but to share a revelation if you have not already. I will leave a link in the comments to references and sources to this piece.
When I began writing this I actually had no idea how long it would turn out to be, but I hope you have found this intriguing, stimulating, and useful in the midst of a terrible pandemic.
References:
[1] Downey, A., (2017). College freshmen are less religious than ever. Scientific American. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/college-freshmen-are-less-religious-than-ever/
[2] College graduates. (2020). Pew Research Center. https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/educational-distribution/college/
[3] Students abandoning the faith. (2010). Summit Ministries.
[4] RZIM：Life's Four Big Questions, Q and A – by Ravi Zacharias @ University of Kentucky. (2016). The Bible-smith Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DseIM5MlpS0
[5] Walsch, N., (2014). The four fundamental questions of life. Inspire Me Today. https://inspiremetoday.com/brilliance/four-fundamental-questions-of-life/
[6] Ruesga, A., (2007). The four fundamental questions of philanthropy. Stanford Social Innovation Review. https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_four_fundamental_questions_of_philanthropy
[7] Suicide statistics. (2018). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/
[8] A Coherent worldview. (2015). Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-a-thought/a-coherent-worldview
[9] Origin, meaning, morality, destiny. (2018). Ligonier Ministries. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/conferences/defending-the-faith-2018-west-coast-conference/origin-meaning-morality-destiny/
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