Posted by Mike O on: 09.11.2008 /
Last week, Jason wrote a really good piece about the Secular Humanist view of This Life. I’ve spent some time since then considering what he wrote and what the corrolating Christian view might be. One thing I see is that the secular humanist view seems to look at history on a grand scale, and then consider how this life fits into history. Christians, on the other hand, seem to look at the future (eternity) on a grand scale, and consider how this life fits into eternity (the future). Not that either is particularly right or wrong, just that they seem to be mirror images of each other.
And maybe that difference plays into where I’m going with my “epic view” of this life. I agree with Jason that this life is very important. But I see this life - my life - fitting within a grander tapestry - an epic story that isn’t about me. A story where I am not the main character but rather a bit player in one sub-plot of a more important epic about God that spans eternity.
And not only do I see my life as a sub-plot of an epic, I see the epic as a 3-act play, and my life is only a sub-plot in the 2nd act. Here’s the storyline: God is eternal. Eternal history, up to the creation of the world is act 1. I don’t know much about that, except that it set the stage for act two - present life on earth. And act 2, then, sets the stage for the final act - eternity.
Another thing I like about having an epic view of this life is that it gives purpose to life events that others (secular humanists?) see as random. For example, I was out of work for seven months. And while I may never actually know, at least I can ask what the purpose was in the grand scheme of things. I like knowing there’s an underlying storyline that is bigger than me. I like knowing there’s a purpose.
I now work for a new employer. Why? Is there a grander purpose to me being here? What does my being here have to do with God’s eternal epic story line? I may or may not like the life events that come my way, but taking an epic view helps me see that, good or bad, they served a purpose in that they furthered the plot of the epic.
It’s almost as if the fact that, in addition to this life, I also believe in God and eternity, that somehow forces me to take an epic view of this life. Assuming I’m right about eternity, and I may be, I just don’t know how else to see it.
Comment by: Jason
1Wait till I get to number 7: Building a better world. ;)
Each of us has only one life and that life interacts and influences thousands of other lives who, in turn, influence thousands of other lifes throughout the ages. That still leave me with my life and you with yours but we do have a place within that grand tapestry of all life. I see that as plenty of wonder without having the idea of a god or gods included.
You also only get to change your own actions in life. While you undoubtedly influence and alter the future actions of others how is your place in the vast tapestry of eternity significant beyond the importance you grant yourself?
Comment by: Mike O
2Don’t I know it.
I’m not sure I understand the question. What does “significant” mean? Significant to whom?
Yes, I want my life to be significant in the normal sense of the word, too. But I think I measure that by whether or not I fulfilled my purpose, not whether or not people think I did something great.
Take, for example, a mentally handicapped person. What could they could do that is “significant” may be very simplistic in comparison to the world at large. But they can still fulfill their role.
Comment by: Jason
3I think that is the key question. I belief that we provide our own meaning to our own lives. You believe that our lives have meaning as part of a grand and divine plan. You have a part in that plan, albeit a small one. I don’t see a plan at all and so the only significance I have is that which I grant myself.
Ability has very little to do with it as we each contribute to life what we are able. The difference is that you believe that you contribute to an “Epic” plan and I contribute to my own plan and to the unconscious whole of human society.
At least that’s how I understand it.
Comment by: Mike O
4Yeah, I guess. That doesn’t mean I think my own life is insignificant -I can have personal significance *and* be a part of a bigger story.
I’m just saying my life isn’t the point of my life, God is. But within that, I have my own personal likes, dislikes, desires, goals, etc. just like anyone who doesn’t believe in God would have.