Belief in the material world or in a transcendent reality (God) ultimately requires an act of faith.
The modern secular worldview, which denies inherent meaning in life, presents a unique problem of finding purpose and significance in the face of suffering and injustice.
Deep dives
The nature of belief in God and the material universe
Belief in God and the material universe are both philosophical or religious statements that cannot be proven through scientific experiments. It ultimately comes down to an act of faith, whether one believes that the material world has always existed or that there is a transcendent reality (God) that generates and sustains matter.
Comparing belief systems
While it is impossible to prove the correctness of atheism, Christianity, or Islam, it is possible to compare their belief systems and determine which offers the best or most effective approach to life. Over the next few weeks, the podcast will explore the livability of different belief systems, starting with the focus on finding meaning in life.
The problem of meaning in life
The modern secular world, in contrast to traditional religions, believes that the material world is all there is and that life has no inherent purpose or meaning. This perspective creates a unique problem of meaning, as it suggests that everything in life is ultimately insignificant and without purpose. The secular approach to finding meaning in life involves creating one's own purpose and significance, such as through personal achievements or relationships.
The workability of secular meaning in life
At a practical level, the secular approach to finding meaning in life is unworkable for everyone due to the inevitable presence of suffering. Secular meaning is rooted in the material world, and therefore, when faced with suffering, loss, or injustice, it can crumble since these events challenge the perceived significance of achievement or relationships. In contrast, religious belief systems offer unique resources for handling suffering and finding meaning beyond the material world.
In this episode, Tim Keller explores questions around meaning: Does life have inherent meaning? How do we find meaning in life? Can you live without meaning?
This talk was recorded before a live audience on March 14, 2019 in New York City.
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