Brad Alles

This blog series continues with a focus on the Christian worldview of philosophy.

What if the Christian worldview of philosophy is wrong? During a debate on life’s origins, Dr. William Provine of Cornell University stated the implications of naturalism and evolution for humanity. In no uncertain terms, he stated that there is no God (or gods), and no life after death. We simply live and die. There is also no ultimate foundation for ethics in life, and no ultimate meaning in life either. We can develop our own ethics and find some individual meaning for our lives, but there is no meaning to all of humanity’s existence collectively.

With such a declaration, is it any wonder that people turn to possessions, fantasy, or drugs to give some relief to the hopelessness of their lives? But God has an answer to the ultimate question of existence—why we are here.

God explains our meaning and purpose in life in Ecclesiastes 12:13. It says, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Fearing God here means to have respect or reverence for God.) God’s purpose for us is to live in loving reverence of Him, doing His good will. It is that simple.

The concept that we are made to honor God by obeying His will is also seen in Ephesians 2:10. It says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” According to the Greek word here, “workmanship” is the idea of a work of art. As a masterpiece of God, we are designed to do good, not evil. This is God’s plan for us from eternity.

But what exactly is the good that God wants us to do? Those are explained in the Cultural Commission and the Great Commission. More on those two concepts next time.