Basic Questions of Life
I realize that some people rarely think about crucial philosophical issues in life. Yet, the 5 most frequently asked questions of life are probably like the 5 W’s of investigative journalism: who, what, when, where and why.
- Where did I come from and how did I get here?
- Why am I here?
- What went wrong with this world?
- Who is going to fix it?
- When I die what happens to me?
I am personally convinced that the following are brief but good answers, although I know there are those who will disagree.
- We have a Creator to believe in Who tells us we were designed and made by the One who owns the universe. He cares a lot about each one of us.
- We have a cause to live for as we proclaim Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth and the Life. That’s Why we are here. This relationship leads to a joy-filled life because He wants us to live life to the full.
- We have a creed to live by since He told us that to love God and people are the two most important principles of life. What’s wrong is that this is ignored by many.
- We have a conscience to live with that can be cleared of guilt because there is forgiveness. This is foundational to spiritual and mental health. We also have a community to live in as we experience the support and fellowship of others and give the same to them. This is essential for relational health. Jesus is the One Who can fix this since He has paid the penalty for sin.
- We have a consummation to look forward to When we die. We await the time when those who have put their trust in Him will be with the Lord forever.
The prospects are bright on the sunny side,
Bob Barker says
Glad, Henry, that I am allowed to comment on your weekly column.
I do not believe questions 4 and 5 are asked by the world’s population, kids, teenagers, philosophers or parishioners.
The first two questions are basically the same.
Here is my main concern. There is religion, there are churches, there is faith. Each to me is different. What is your religion? Which church do you attend? Do you have faith…… or A faith?
Your declarative statement says GOD is a man. HE If you said GOD was a holy spirit I might grab on to it.
Making religion, church and faith about a man, ….men, masculine ….maybe the twist that makes people ask who is running the show.
I know a lot of people who are prepared to accept Jesus as their saviour who died on the cross for the sins of the world. But they cannot accept every word, theory, belief in the BIBLE. Inspired by GOD but written by men.
When religion, church and faith – preach one thing – I could return to the pew on my knees. That one thing is LOVE defined as tolerance and acceptance.