By Danny Ray
I have previously introduced the concept of axioms being self-evident truths. As a Deist, the existence of a deity is axiomatic. Yet many thinkers are able to come to a different conclusion. One common disproof of God Atheists use is people- especially the people who acknowledge a God with their lips, but then deny him with their lives.
What about Deists? Do our actions speak as well as our words? If the ultimate axiomatic self-evident truth of Deism is the existence of God, how does this belief affect our day to day lives?
To the Deist, there is no such thing as a mundane moment. Every handshake and every inflection in every word are opportunities for us to either fail or to rise above the disenchantment. As we strive for the inner and outer person to be synchronized, may our performances parallel our passions. The fruits should equal the roots. Should those who cross our path get encouragement and not require a lifetime of counseling because of the encounter.
I do not desire to be haughty, but humbly submit the one thing that might be an axial axiom, the navigational point, the polar star, the compass setting, or even the meaning of life for a Deist: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam-which has been translated "To the greater glory of God." In more modern language, I believe it could be interpreted "We are here to make God look good." Through our actions and especially our influence, people can have either negative or positive attitudes toward the existence of a deity from the encounter of crossing your path. Hopefully it will be positive for all parties involved.
How do we do it? How do we represent the existence of God? Can one let their soul shine in this cloudy, confusing world to become a sacramental portal through which others can view the deity and become enlightened to the fact “there is more behind the picture than the wall”? How do we live the life that is really life? How do we Carpe Diem every moment we are given?
Perhaps I'm arrogant, but in my opinion this is what life is all about: to be the salt of the earth, the proof that God exists, and to reflect the creative force in all we do as an influence and ambassador for the positive. In always striving for the inner and outer person to be synchronized, may our performances parallel our passions.
And what would such a life look like? Very impressive was a simple, yet most profound eulogy a modern day rock guitarist used in describing a deceased friend-----“Who was he? Proof that God exists.” [1]
Proof that God exists---Wow---what a simple yet profound eulogy which summarizes a life well lived.
I believe we are not to just be creators of doubt and despair by raining on the parade of those in revealed religions, but more importantly to be harbingers of hope and journeymen of joy to seekers. For hope is what people ultimately want.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! If I ever get a tattoo.....
[1] -Zakk Wylde’s moving eulogy- see from 1:50 to 2:10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QsV2Jg7tSE&feature=fvw
What about Deists? Do our actions speak as well as our words? If the ultimate axiomatic self-evident truth of Deism is the existence of God, how does this belief affect our day to day lives?
To the Deist, there is no such thing as a mundane moment. Every handshake and every inflection in every word are opportunities for us to either fail or to rise above the disenchantment. As we strive for the inner and outer person to be synchronized, may our performances parallel our passions. The fruits should equal the roots. Should those who cross our path get encouragement and not require a lifetime of counseling because of the encounter.
I do not desire to be haughty, but humbly submit the one thing that might be an axial axiom, the navigational point, the polar star, the compass setting, or even the meaning of life for a Deist: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam-which has been translated "To the greater glory of God." In more modern language, I believe it could be interpreted "We are here to make God look good." Through our actions and especially our influence, people can have either negative or positive attitudes toward the existence of a deity from the encounter of crossing your path. Hopefully it will be positive for all parties involved.
How do we do it? How do we represent the existence of God? Can one let their soul shine in this cloudy, confusing world to become a sacramental portal through which others can view the deity and become enlightened to the fact “there is more behind the picture than the wall”? How do we live the life that is really life? How do we Carpe Diem every moment we are given?
Perhaps I'm arrogant, but in my opinion this is what life is all about: to be the salt of the earth, the proof that God exists, and to reflect the creative force in all we do as an influence and ambassador for the positive. In always striving for the inner and outer person to be synchronized, may our performances parallel our passions.
And what would such a life look like? Very impressive was a simple, yet most profound eulogy a modern day rock guitarist used in describing a deceased friend-----“Who was he? Proof that God exists.” [1]
Proof that God exists---Wow---what a simple yet profound eulogy which summarizes a life well lived.
I believe we are not to just be creators of doubt and despair by raining on the parade of those in revealed religions, but more importantly to be harbingers of hope and journeymen of joy to seekers. For hope is what people ultimately want.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! If I ever get a tattoo.....
[1] -Zakk Wylde’s moving eulogy- see from 1:50 to 2:10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QsV2Jg7tSE&feature=fvw
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