Human experiences which are beyond merely the facts of our survival
There seems to be so much of human experience which is
beyond merely the facts of our survival. For example, whether in the arts,
music, poetry, literature, or in our contemplation of beauty (either human or
God made), what I am struck by is the unnecessary character of our creative
endeavours and contemplation (unnecessary insofar as these human qualities do
not obviously support the scientific facts of our existences). So, when we create, we seem to be moved by something
which is much greater than what is merely best for keeping us alive; and when
we contemplate beauty, in its various
forms, we are no better protected as a result. Why then can we (and do we) experience
our lives this way? The answer, I believe, is both straightforward and
perplexing, being found in the way God has made us awe-fully and mysteriously.
We are composed not only of physical substance, and concerns about its
survival, reproduction, and inevitable decay; but also we are made-up of an
unseen spiritual component which transcends mere
facts (including our own existences) and so enables us to experience the
world aloft, as if we are set apart from the universe, and even from ourselves. Consequently, we can step-back
from the merely physical and observe and
create the world, reflecting who we
are and where we are going (whether
for good or ill). Given God is the originator
of all that is observed and created, then these very human capabilities also reflect
the image of God living in us; this image, as stated in Genesis
1:27, being placed there by God.
Click on book cover image on this blog's home page for information on my book Nine Steps to Well-Being: A Spiritual Guide for Disconnected Christians and Other Questioning Journeyers - first three chapters are FREE!!
Click on book cover image on this blog's home page for information on my book Nine Steps to Well-Being: A Spiritual Guide for Disconnected Christians and Other Questioning Journeyers - first three chapters are FREE!!
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