SortingBeans

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Following is the 4th installment of a series on Worldviews. There are seven questions presented by James W. Sire in his book, “The Universe Next Door,” which he says every worldview must answer. This book is used in many colleges for philosophy curriculum, and Sire writes from a Christian perspective. Though influenced somewhat by Sire, what I proceed to give answers to comes from my own words and thoughts. No quotes. If you want Sire’s opinion, let me know and I’ll provide that for you.

One more thing I will mention, in particular relation to this very post, is that I am aware that this topic of Christian Existentialism includes a very broad range of interpretation. This is only my feeble attempt.

1. What is prime reality⎯the really real?
Prime reality is God; this claim, though, is only indirectly appropriate. The existence of God is only affirmed subsequent to self-awareness. Certainty comes first through subjective experience, rather than some objective truth. Reason for meaning, purpose, and significance are not found in or through empirical evidences, therefore a blind leap of faith in God is adopted. God is a proposition taken by faith alone since no empirical evidence gives reason for faith in an eternal, almighty Creator. God⎯the really real⎯then remains propositional to the person believing. In spite of all this, the believing person continues in his belief and begins to align everything else along side, or in contrast with, this propositional God.

2. What is the nature of external reality, that is, the world around us?
External reality is created by God and has purpose for its existence. God solely knows this purpose. Only when one has direct or somewhat indirect relationship to or experience with external reality does it hold any value or significance to one’s personal life. Thus, external reality becomes meaningful to the person only when it affects their theistic experience.

3. What is a human being?
A human being is a special creation of God, made in His image, for purpose, meaning, significance, and relationship. The human being, though, finds value first in himself, then in God. People are created equal, and the believing person is no different than the unbelieving person. Therefore, each life has its own significance, and its own meaning.

4. What happens to a person at death?
At death, a person will either spend eternity in a harmonious relationship with God or in eternal separation from God. While many may affirm this, one can only be positive (at best) of one’s own faith. Since absolute certainty escapes the mind, the eternal state of a person is without assurance of knowing.

5. Why is it possible to know anything at all?
That God has created humans, that they are created in His image, it is therefore possible to obtain knowledge. Empirical evidences are the most reliable sources of obtaining knowledge. However, since humans are more certain about the knowledge they have of themselves, their epistemology is self-validated through experience or choice. Thus, the individual subjectively places value of such knowledge; it is not universal. What matters is not how others respond to events, ideas, etc.; rather, response ultimately matters only to the individual and how it may affect that individual’s theistic experience.

6. How do we know what is right and wrong?
Right and wrong is judged by the faith one espouses. God is the giver of the ethical law, but this ethical law can look quite different between persons. Since belief is significant only to the person believing, it is subjective and holds no one else accountable to its suppositions other than the believing person.

7. What is the meaning of human history?
The universe is an open system, subject to be changed by either God or people. History is also linear, experienced in a cause-effect relationship. God’s purpose in history will ultimately be fulfilled in His due time. Humans, though, are not as interested in history as they are in the present. History has no significant, immediate value, and is typically viewed with little interest.

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