This section was on Apologetics and then eventually how Jesus is our Model of Faith. It goes into several teleological arguments to try and prove logically that the universe was purposefully created, which in turn, proves the existence of a designer of some sort. The first set of arguments were from nature, which used proof from recurring themes within nature, such as the Golden Ratio and logic such as the Watch and the Watchmaker, to try and prove the existence of a designer. Next was from human person: natural tendencies a human has the points to a universal connection between us all. Conscience was another argument to prove that we are all bound together instinctively, somewhat proving a designer. Next was the argument from Natural Law which was the argument that we all have a moral code built into ourselves that binds us together, then attempting to prove what conscience did. And finally was the five human indications of human nature, which concluded with the conclusion about sinless humans not being a contradiction.
One main idea is that of the teleological arguments at the beginning of the chapter: Arguments from Nature. First is the Watch and the Watchmaker which says that if there is a design, there must be a designer. Next was The Golden Ratio which stated there was a recurring ratio in nature that was too common to be purely coincidental, somewhat proving a design in nature. The Anthropic Principle worked out of logic saying that had anything gone wrong in our creation we wouldn't be the way we are today, thus proving existence of some higher design. Then was the Kalam's Argument which said that logically, the universe was created by something outside itself. And finally were the degrees of perfection from Aquinas which stated that everything is on a different level of being (or non-being.)
Next is the Argument from Religious Experience. These included a list of our tendencies: Our need for meaning, the mystery of death, our thirst for happiness, and the pain of loneliness. It concluded that the existence of God satisfies our needs for all these things and answers the questions that we have. I don't think I could argue this, but I don't think I could fully agree with it either because how much of God do we know? Rather, how much of God that we claim to know can we trust is true knowledge of God? I dunno.
Then came the next thing I'd like to remember and that is: The Five Inclinations of Human Nature which are: To seek happiness, to preserve oneself in existence, to preserve the species, to live in community with others, and to use intellect and will to know the truth and make free decisions. These correspond to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. It concludes that SIN is not of human nature, but it is when we act against our human nature.
I think Jesus is definitely man, and most likely somehow related to God. I don't know if I can believe that someone can be fully human AND fully divine. It just doesn't work out right. Then again, I don't know how ANYONE could be divine to begin with. No human, without being human by nature could be divine on Earth. Jesus was a great teacher and a great connection to God. He sacrificed himself for our salvation, and I think him. It would be nice, though, if all the answers could be wrapped up in pretty paper like Christmas morning. All we would have to do is tear off the wrapping paper and BAM we've discovered something that is true. Someday, perhaps someone will tear open the box with the subject of God inside it and we will REALLY know for 100% sure whether there is or isn't God. Jesus helped us all out greatly, but then I have to ask myself: in just everyday thought, did he actually clear things up or create more questions for ourselves? It makes you wonder...
