Joining the discussion is R.C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries and an influential theologian. He critiques humanism, exposing its contradictions and lack of foundation for human dignity. Sproul emphasizes that our understanding of humanity must be rooted in theology, highlighting the impact of sin on our divine image. He also explores the fragile nature of existence and the interplay between human freedom and divine sovereignty, urging a return to faith-based critical thinking over subjective beliefs.
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insights INSIGHT
Anthropology's Central Question
Anthropology is the dominant philosophical question of the 20th century, focusing on what it means to be human.
The crisis in anthropology corresponds with the decline of putting God at the center of human thought.
insights INSIGHT
Human Life as Grass
The biblical view often uses the image of grass to describe human life as fragile and transient.
Human existence is short and fleeting, prompting questions about meaning and significance.
insights INSIGHT
Existentialism's View of Humanity
Existential philosophers like Sartre describe human existence as fundamentally futile and meaningless.
Sartre called man "a useless passion," expressing the crisis of meaning in atheistic existentialism.
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Published in 1938, 'Nausea' is Jean-Paul Sartre's first novel and a seminal work in existentialist literature. The story follows Antoine Roquentin, a solitary historian living in the fictional town of Bouville, as he experiences intense feelings of nausea and existential crisis. Through Roquentin's diary entries, Sartre delves into themes such as the contingency of existence, the distinction between 'being-in-itself' and 'being-for-itself,' and the idea that 'existence precedes essence.' Roquentin's struggles with his research on the Marquis de Rollebon and his interactions with people around him highlight the absurdity and randomness of the world, leading him to confront the bare existence of things and the meaninglessness of human existence. The novel is a profound exploration of existential angst, freedom, and responsibility[2][3][4].
If we don’t have God at the center of our thinking, the foundation for human dignity collapses. Today, R.C. Sproul teaches that anthropology, the study of mankind, must be rooted in theology, the study of God.
For your donation of any amount, request R.C. Sproul’s 35-message teaching series The Consequences of Ideas on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide. You’ll also get lifetime streaming access to his teaching series Blueprint for Thinking: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3979/donate Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get digital access to the Blueprint for Thinking teaching series and The Consequences of Ideas teaching series and study guide for your gift of any amount: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Meet Today’s Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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