November 19, 2002

From romantic optimism to disenchanted fatalism

During some recent reading, I was profoundly struck with the thought of man's depravity, the evil that has resulted and does result in the fallen world, and the despair that results from an honest look at that evil.
I was also reminded of the amazing light, the hope, the purpose we have been given in the Person of Jesus Christ and His saving work. I don't despair
I have Christ.
I don't doubt
I have Christ.
I don't wonder at the worthlessness
unfairness
burden
of life
I have Christ. I am more than a conqueror. Death has no sting, depravation no final grasp. I have joy unspeakable.
Man is empty without God.
I am full.

But if you want to know what life is like without my worldview, observe H. G. Wells' illuminating example.

1937
Can we doubt that presently our race will more than realize our boldest inspirations, that it will achieve unity and peace, that it will live, the children of our blood will live, in a world made more splendid and lovely than any palace or garden that we know, going on from strength to strength in an ever-widening circle of adventure and achievement? What man has done, the little triumphs of his present state...form the prelude to the things that man has yet to do."
from A Short History of the World

1939
In spite of all my disposition to a braver-looking optimism, I perceive that now the universe is bored with [man], is turning a hard face to him, and I see him being carried...along the stream of fate to degradation, suffering, and death.
from The Fate of Homo Sapiens

Posted by apelles at November 19, 2002 08:09 PM
Comments

David,
Thank you. I was pondering that very thing this morning. I walked around campus with the biggest smile on my face, and everyone kept asking me what was going on.
they thought
i needed a reason
to smile.
and i have one:
my God is good.
but such an answer
does not satisfy
a soul dissatisfied
with a false
perception of God.
keep smiling,
writing,
praising,
exalting.

steph

Posted by: tennie at November 21, 2002 09:35 AM
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