A Yale professor recently admitted that he has come to
believe in the inestimable value of each human. Not having encountered such a
belief among the classical philosophers, he acknowledges that this belief finds
its origin in Scripture.
Scripture reveals that the value of humanity derives from
the fact that we are created in the “likeness” of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This
also implies profound moral obligations:
·
With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and
Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From
the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not
to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt
water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs?
Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. (James 3:9-12)
Taking this thinking one step further – the Bible is the
only available basis for this necessary belief. However, many secularists will
object:
·
We can simply decide that humans have inestimable
value. We don’t need a God to tell us to do this.
Admittedly, the secularist can decide to believe whatever he
wants. However, he cannot rationally maintain this belief. Why not? Because, as
a materialist, only what is perceivable and measurable is rationally allowable!
However, when he looks at his fellow humankind, he does not see inestimable
value. While he might perceive value in some, he will also perceive a profound
lack of value in others.
Based upon his perceptions of his fellow humans, a “rational”
materialistic assessment would justify him cursing some and blessing others,
treating some with contempt and others with commendation.
When our beliefs are contradicted by our worldview and its
perception of reality, they cannot be sustained. Look forward to another reign
of terror.
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