There are obviously various responses when it comes to matters of faith. Some discount spiritual things entirely, either ignoring or else rejecting (even attacking) all truth claims, while others assume their perspective is the right one. But across the spectrum, it seems we are all spiritually inclined. From atheists to agnostics, from traditional religious adherents to advocates of new-age spirituality, there is this impulse within us to seek “the Other.” But is this impulse valid? Indeed, what is it about us that fits this assumption, that we are indeed spiritual creatures longing for something more. What follows are some general observations about human beings that point, I think, in a spiritual direction. These are not the only things that matter, but they do matter. These are some (not all of the) important things that hint at a core of spirituality all around and within us.
□ As already mentioned there seems to be an innate sense within all of us to reach out and beyond ourselves. There is among most (if not all) human beings a search for the transcendent. This might be interpreted merely as evidence of a natural law or it might seen as an indication of a deity. At the least, however, we must acknowledge this inward tendency to look beyond ourselves.
□ Likewise, and in keeping with the above, there is a general tendency to locate purpose in life. Of course this might simply be wishful thinking or some evolutionary survival trait, but most people act like it is more. In other words there is a perceived meaning to our existence.
□ The good that we encounter amplifies this purposefulness. And the bad, while certainly causing us to wonder about it all (i.e., How can a good God allow for such horrendous events?), also forces us to recognize that we are repelled by evil precisely because we sense that there must be some higher purpose that is being violated by the presence of evil. Even as evil feeds unbelief at one level, it also supports the contention that there is such a thing as evil in the first place. This, in a backward sort of way, actually confirms or is at least consistent with the notion of some higher purpose. Thus, the good and bad we encounter are indicators of life’s meaningfulness.
□ Along with what we’ve already said, there is clearly in all of us a sense of connection to fellow human beings. That is, we tend to gravitate to others. Though some are loners, and have a difficult time relating, the overwhelming majority of human beings long for relationships with one or (usually) more co-travelers. Once again, this fits the idea of reaching out, not only to things but to people. There is an undeniable personal feature to human existence.
□ If we are persons (which, of course, we are) and if we also sense a transcendent purpose (which we generally do), it just might be that our longings can only be satisfied by that which is both transcendent and personal. Throughout human history, this has often been another way of talking about God. Might we have been created for such a being?
□ The things and people that make us look for and embrace purpose indicate that we live in a world designed for us. Not only biologically or psychologically but, one might say, spiritually, we live in a universe that corresponds with our felt needs and desires. While not minimizing those aspects that run contrary to this purpose (e.g., the problem of evil), there are many things around us that are created to promote this relational, purposeful existence. From whence did they originate? Many have taken for granted that a supreme being must be the ultimate provider of such grand design and purpose.
□ In our best moments, we remain open to that which is good and true. That’s the way we are constructed as humans. Scientific discoveries, noble acts of philanthropy, selfless concern for others, and countless other endeavors are motivated by the pursuit of the good and the true. Are we open to a higher, divine reality? Are you?
All of the above ideas are consonant with the idea of a transcendent, personal reality. When combined with other features of humankind, they attest to the reasonableness of a theistic worldview and the sensibleness of those who choose to embrace this “Other,” who has (apparently) made us for himself. One ancient sage, speaking of this divine reality, said it this way: “Come to Me and be rescued, all of the earth.” The way we are made, the type of world in which we live, the trends of life–all of these and more seem to confirm the believability of this invitation. Who knows? Maybe we were born for this very purpose, to receive such an invitation.
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