R.C. Sproul, the founder of Ligonier Ministries and a prominent theologian, delves into the stark realities of atheism and its implications. He discusses how a world without God leads to emptiness, highlighting the futility of existence when devoid of divine purpose. Sproul contrasts theism with nihilism, examining the philosophical struggle for meaning and dignity. His insights reveal the challenges faced by humanism and emphasize the importance of faith in maintaining moral grounding amidst modern skepticism.
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insights INSIGHT
Philosophical Poles: Theism to Nihilism
Nihilism is the belief in no God and no meaning in human existence.
Philosophies range between full theism and nihilism as two extreme poles.
insights INSIGHT
Vanity of Vanity Explained
Life without God is described as "vanity of vanity" or futility of futility.
The book of Ecclesiastes contrasts life under the sun (without God) versus life under heaven (with God).
insights INSIGHT
Humanism’s Contradictory Position
Humanism denies God but clings to human dignity, which logically can't exist without God.
This worldview borrows values from theism without accepting its foundation, leading to internal inconsistency.
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Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological reflection on human existence and the meaning of life. It is presented through the voice of Qohelet (the Preacher), who questions the doctrine of retributive justice and observes that human endeavors are often futile and temporary. The book emphasizes the inevitability of death, the limitations of human wisdom, and the dangers of materialism and hedonism. It concludes by advising readers to fear God and keep His commandments as the foundation of true happiness and purpose[2][3][4].
Nausea
Jean-Paul Sartre
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].
Without Jesus Christ, there can be no hope. Today, R.C. Sproul evaluates the grim price tag of atheism. He shows us that the logical end of unbelief is emptiness and futility.
For your donation of any amount, get R.C. Sproul’s teaching series Defending Your Faith, plus lifetime digital access to all 32 messages and the study guide. We’ll also send you two books from Ligonier: A Field Guide on False Teaching and A Field Guide on Gender and Sexuality: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4024/donate Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get R.C. Sproul’s digital teaching series and digital study guide for your gift of any amount, plus the two ebooks from Ligonier: 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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