Phil Chou
The world generally holds two perspectives on humanity:
Materialistic view: Humans are made up of matter. Their bodies can be explained through sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and psychology. Issues related to the existence of the soul and self-consciousness are merely superficial phenomena produced by the material body. They can eventually be understood through scientific research. They are not actual existences. Religion, art, music, philosophy, and literature are products of civilization that decorate human life. Matter is the real existence, and material life is the ultimate concern. Consequently, individual actions are not the result of free will but are determined by the external environment. Morality is merely a common norm for maintaining social order. Violating it is just breaking the rules, and breaking the law requires legal prosecution. Fundamentally, it is not an internal issue but an external environmental issue. Therefore, what needs to be improved is the external environment, such as policies and educational curricula, rather than individual inner improvement. For example, communist socialist equality policies and secular humanistic enlightened education do not emphasize conscience. They focus solely on the enhancement of material value and the equitable distribution of income. Humans are no different from other animals and are products of natural evolution. Hence, people do not have inherent dignity, and there is no essential difference in dignity between humans and cats or dogs. Human existence is the ultimate, beginning at birth and ending at death. Everything is material, and since God is not material, He is an irrelevant topic.
Idealistic view: The essence of humans is the mind. The pre-existing “idea” determines the real existence of the mind. Human self-consciousness is where the mind resides, and the origin of all things is the mind. The mind is a prerequisite for the phenomena of matter. Matter and the human body are merely empty and unreal shells. Therefore, the external actions of the body are superficial and do not pollute the mind. Only human self-consciousness and the mind are substantial existences. Descartes’ philosophy “I think, therefore I am” leans toward idealism. In the realm of the mind, the existence of God is not a key issue. As long as the reality of the spirit or consciousness is recognized, it can be called anything, and it does not necessarily need to be personified as a deity. The essence of the universe is the existence of the mind, and within the universe is the spiritual world. Life’s efforts are to elevate spiritual life, and matter is merely a false superficial existence. Good physical health and the enhancement of material life are only to support the richness of the mind. A person is born with the potential of self-consciousness, and upon death, their self-consciousness or soul leaves the material shell and returns to the metaphysical great crucible of souls.
Christian View of Humanity:
The Christian perspective on humanity is neither purely materialistic nor idealistic, but rather harmoniously incorporates and corrects aspects of both views. The biblical view of humanity has a presupposition: it begins with God, who is spirit. The universe, created by the spirit, is material but not a closed system; it can be open to the spirit. Both the mind and matter are real existences. Apart from humans, everything else is material. The spiritual realm existed before and beyond the universe. Matter itself was originally considered good. God’s creation was primarily for the purpose of creating humans, made in His image. Humans have three aspects: body, soul, and spirit. The spirit allows communication with God, the soul enables cultural creation, and the material body represents God on earth to manage the material world. Humans worship God in spirit and truth, and the body, under the management of the spirit and soul, can become a temple of the Holy Spirit. The body can also be offered as a living sacrifice, pleasing to God. Upon death, the body returns to the earth, the spirit enters the spiritual realm of heaven, and when the spirit leaves the body, the soul automatically disappears. It can also be said that the body and soul transform into the spirit and converge to form a spiritual body.
Scientific research uncovers the hidden principles of creation, benefiting the soul and body through the enhancement of culture and material well-being. However, the spiritual aspect can only be fulfilled by establishing a relationship with God through faith. In this way, “humanity” can be completed by entering into the real existence of the spirit through faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Such a view of humanity, under God’s providence as Creator and Father, and through the gospel of salvation in Christ, ultimately restores “humanity” from its fallen state (sin) to its original created state (sinless paradise). This perspective surpasses both materialistic and idealistic views, providing no account for life and death. This view of humanity can bring positive energy of love to individuals, families, and society, promoting harmony and releasing joy and peace. It allows people to face the reality of suffering, illness, and death with confidence. Life has a purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him, as He is the Father. Before God, humans can stand tall, and among people, all within the four seas can be considered brothers!