A man,
taking a survey, was asking passers-by what they considered humanity’s main
problems. One man, rushing by, said,” I don’t know and I don’t care.” “Dead
right,” shouted the questioner after him: “ignorance and apathy.”
One thing boggles my mind: the crazy western idea this life
is all there is. For huge numbers of earth’s inhabitants, life is a liturgy of
pain, anger and misery. Is this all there is for them? Even for westerners, it’s
a time of emptiness and lack of real fulfilment. Is this all there is for us? Cultivated
non-belief, or an apathetic lifestyle, leaves few considering eternity.
Where did that idea come from and what sustains it? To
start, it’s convenient. No life beyond this, means no accountability. That
explains the reckless hedonism engulfing western society. If this is all there
is, do whatever generates my happiness—a philosophy designed to destroy social
cohesiveness.
Then, there is the fear of death fostered by the unknown
beyond it. What better protection from fear than to discard the unknown,
convince yourself it doesn’t exist. Let’s eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow
we die.
The vague notion there is no evidence of life beyond death
supports this fond idea. But we cannot prove life doesn’t continue beyond death;
only uncertainty exists. Simple common sense would suggest preparing for death.
Life is a vapour; eternity is for ever.
Unfortunately, Christianity doesn’t showcase so well against
other options. It appears an offence or foolishness; birthed in blood and based
on an unlikely resurrection. Like most spiritual things, it is upside down to
most human thinking, it cannot be assessed from the outside.
Anselm said: “I believe that I may understand.” We
understand far more about water by jumping in than any description could give.
It is only commitment to our need of God’s grace and forgiveness that gives
sense to faith in Christ and assurance of the future.
Shall we ignore this life, or immerse ourselves in it with
gladness and gratitude?
