Where did you come from?

Either there is a god (or a god-like entity or a committee with god-like powers) or there is not. This is a dichotomy from which I see no alternate path. I bring this up merely to set the stage for a series of analyses I will attempt in this blog regarding the nature and purpose of man. I welcome comments and thoughtful discussion. I am interested in exploring this idea from a logical perspective. 

To be fair, I will acknowledge I am a staunch believer in God and will certainly not be swayed from this position in this lifetime. I can't say that I was converted to a belief in God through logic or reasoning but, because I believe in God, I feel there must be a logical basis for that belief. 

I don't pretend that anyone could be swayed away from atheism or agnosticism through reasoning. Logic simply does not have the power that emotional, physical, and spiritual senses have. Similar to those who adhere to a faith in God, those who choose not to believe are generally not swayed by logic in that direction, either; rather, they choose so to believe because acknowledging the existence of God requires a great deal of discipline (especially for the intellectual). Atheism requires no effort.

So, back to the original premise: either there is a "God" or there is not. Put another way, either humans were created or we happened. If these are the only two choices, then we must explore the implications of both. (Anyone who can proffer an additional option, I'd be interested to hear it.) Today I would like to briefly touch on option number one: God created the human race.

If there is indeed a God and if God created man, it stands to reason that he (or she or them or it) created mankind for a purpose. The reason could be any of a number of possibilities. It may have been to practice genetic engineering. Or, perhaps, merely for his/her/their amusement. God might have created us to be a part of some world-building crusade. Whatever the reason, it seems likely that this God is more intelligent and resourceful and more powerful than mankind -- by a large margin.

If we were created by a God who is more intelligent and capable than we, it would make sense to seek out the purpose of our existence. Why did this God create us? What purpose can we as a race or can I as an individual serve? What is God's ultimate goal? I think these are the questions we ask deep in our hearts but which tend to be a little more self-oriented: "Who am I. Why am I here? What will happen to me when I die? 

These are all important questions and they deserve reasoned answers. That is my goal. As I discuss my ideas, I hope to flesh them out and give them more substance and support using anecdotes, logical reasoning, and the words of others who have thought along these lines throughout the ages.

One note for readers who would like to comment: This topic is sensitive and deeply personal to many. I want to approach it respectfully and thoughtfully. If you have ideas you'd like to share, I would be glad to read them and have them posted to the blog; however, I will not cater to those who argue their points using logical fallacies, appeal to emotion alone, or who are belligerent or rude. Any such comments will likely not even be acknowledged or addressed before being removed from the blog.

NEXT TIME: Why would a god create a sentient species?