Exploring Life's Questions: How and Why
Summary
In our exploration of worldviews, I began by reflecting on the significance of childhood memories, like photo albums, which often capture the essence of our early friendships and experiences. These memories serve as a metaphor for the foundational questions that shape our understanding of the world. I shared a personal story about my childhood friend, Donnie Whirlow, who was always curious about how things worked, contrasting with my own preoccupation with the question of "why." This distinction between "how" and "why" questions is crucial in understanding the different paths we take in life.
Donnie's curiosity led him to a career in science, constantly asking "how" things function. In contrast, my journey was driven by the "why" questions, which led me to explore metaphysics, the study of what lies beyond the physical realm. Metaphysics, often misunderstood as mystical, was the foundation of ancient philosophy, seeking ultimate reality. This pursuit of understanding goes beyond the physical to the metaphysical, where questions of being (ontology) and purpose (teleology) reside.
Ontology, the study of being, challenges us to consider the essence of existence. I recounted a conversation with a physics professor about the nature of energy, highlighting the difficulty of defining its "isness." This ontological inquiry is vital, as it leads us to the profound realization that if anything exists, something must have the power of being within itself.
Teleology, the study of purpose, is equally significant. I shared an experience with my daughter's school, where every activity had a specific purpose, yet the overarching goal was unclear. This lack of ultimate purpose is a reflection of a society that often neglects teleological questions, leading to confusion and moral ambiguity.
In conclusion, the questions of "how" and "why" are not just academic; they shape our worldview and influence our lives. We must engage deeply with these questions, seeking to understand the ultimate reality and purpose of our existence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Childhood memories often reflect the foundational questions that shape our worldview. While some are driven by "how" things work, others are preoccupied with "why" things exist, leading to different life paths and understandings. [00:24]
2. Metaphysics, the study of what lies beyond the physical, is crucial for understanding ultimate reality. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and explore deeper questions of existence and purpose. [08:03]
3. Ontology, the study of being, asks profound questions about the essence of existence. It reminds us that if anything exists, something must have the power of being within itself, a realization that is both philosophical and spiritual. [15:14]
4. Teleology, the study of purpose, is essential for understanding the meaning of our actions and existence. Without a clear sense of purpose, our lives and societies can become directionless and morally confused. [22:41]
5. Engaging with the questions of "how" and "why" is not just an academic exercise; it is a spiritual journey that shapes our worldview and influences our lives. We must think deeply and intently about these questions to find meaning and purpose. [27:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Childhood Memories and Worldview
- [00:47] - Early Friendships and Diverse Interests
- [01:44] - Christmas Traditions and Gifts
- [03:03] - The Curious Mind of Donnie
- [04:01] - The Question of "How"
- [05:40] - The Question of "Why"
- [07:16] - From Physics to Metaphysics
- [08:47] - Ancient Philosophers and Ultimate Reality
- [10:28] - The Power of the "Why" Question
- [13:41] - The Importance of Metaphysics
- [14:17] - Ontology: The Study of Being
- [22:41] - Teleology: The Study of Purpose
- [23:19] - Education and Purpose
- [27:52] - The Need for Deep Thinking
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
2. Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
3. Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
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Observation Questions:
1. How did the pastor use childhood memories to illustrate the foundational questions that shape our worldview? [00:24]
2. What were the contrasting interests between the pastor and his childhood friend, Donnie, and how did these interests reflect their life paths? [03:03]
3. How does the pastor describe the difference between the questions of "how" and "why," and what impact do these questions have on our understanding of the world? [04:01]
4. What example did the pastor give to explain the concept of ontology, and how does it relate to the essence of existence? [15:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's reflection on metaphysics challenge the common perception of it being mystical, and what role does it play in understanding ultimate reality? [08:03]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that neglecting teleological questions can lead to moral ambiguity in society? [22:41]
3. How does the pastor's conversation with the physics professor highlight the difficulty of defining the "isness" of energy, and what does this reveal about our understanding of being? [16:32]
4. How does the pastor's story about his daughter's school illustrate the importance of having a clear sense of purpose in education and life? [23:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own childhood memories. What foundational questions about life and existence did you have, and how have they shaped your worldview today? [00:24]
2. Consider the "how" and "why" questions in your life. Which type of question do you find yourself asking more often, and how does it influence your decisions and beliefs? [04:01]
3. How can you incorporate a deeper understanding of metaphysics into your spiritual journey, and what steps can you take to explore questions of ultimate reality and purpose? [08:03]
4. In what ways can you engage with ontological questions in your daily life, and how might this lead to a greater appreciation of existence and being? [15:14]
5. Think about a recent decision you made. Was it guided by a clear sense of purpose? How can you ensure that your future decisions align with a meaningful teleological perspective? [22:41]
6. How can you apply the pastor's insights on teleology to evaluate the overarching purpose of your actions and goals? What changes might you need to make to align with a clearer sense of purpose? [23:19]
7. Identify an area in your life where you feel directionless or confused. How can engaging with the questions of "how" and "why" help you find clarity and direction? [27:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation of Our Worldview
Our childhood memories often reflect the foundational questions that shape our worldview. These memories, like photo albums, capture the essence of our early friendships and experiences, serving as metaphors for the questions that guide our understanding of the world. Some people are driven by the "how" of things, focusing on the mechanics and functions, while others are preoccupied with the "why," seeking deeper meaning and purpose. This distinction leads to different life paths and understandings, influencing our choices and perspectives. By reflecting on these foundational questions, we can gain insight into the core of our beliefs and values. [00:24]
"For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think back to a childhood memory that has shaped your understanding of the world. How does this memory influence your current worldview, and what foundational questions does it raise for you today?
Day 2: Beyond the Physical
Metaphysics, the study of what lies beyond the physical, is crucial for understanding ultimate reality. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and explore deeper questions of existence and purpose. While often misunderstood as mystical, metaphysics was the foundation of ancient philosophy, seeking to understand what lies beyond the tangible world. By engaging with metaphysical questions, we can explore the nature of reality and our place within it, leading to a more profound understanding of life and existence. [08:03]
"For in him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we are indeed his offspring.'" (Acts 17:28, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an aspect of your life where you tend to focus only on the physical or tangible. How might exploring the metaphysical aspects of this area deepen your understanding and purpose?
Day 3: The Essence of Existence
Ontology, the study of being, asks profound questions about the essence of existence. It challenges us to consider what it means to exist and what the nature of being truly is. This inquiry leads to the realization that if anything exists, something must have the power of being within itself. Such a realization is both philosophical and spiritual, prompting us to reflect on the source of existence and the nature of reality. By engaging with ontological questions, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. [15:14]
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt a deep sense of existence or being. What did this moment reveal to you about the nature of existence and your place in the world?
Day 4: Understanding Purpose
Teleology, the study of purpose, is essential for understanding the meaning of our actions and existence. Without a clear sense of purpose, our lives and societies can become directionless and morally confused. By exploring teleological questions, we can gain insight into the reasons behind our actions and the ultimate goals we strive for. This understanding can guide us in making meaningful choices and living with intention, aligning our actions with our values and beliefs. [22:41]
"The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." (Proverbs 16:4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel a lack of purpose or direction. What steps can you take today to seek clarity and align this area with a greater sense of purpose?
Day 5: The Spiritual Journey of Inquiry
Engaging with the questions of "how" and "why" is not just an academic exercise; it is a spiritual journey that shapes our worldview and influences our lives. By thinking deeply and intently about these questions, we can find meaning and purpose in our existence. This journey requires us to explore both the mechanics of life and the deeper reasons behind our actions, leading to a more holistic understanding of ourselves and the world. By embracing this journey, we can grow spiritually and live more intentionally. [27:52]
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one "how" or "why" question you have been avoiding in your spiritual journey? How can you begin to explore this question today, and what might it reveal about your purpose and path?
Quotes
"As we continue our study of the elements and structures of a worldview, I'd like to start by asking you a question, those of you who are here in this room. How many of you have photo albums at home that include pictures of yourself from your childhood? Let me see. Those things are kind of interesting. We almost all keep those keepsakes, don't we?" [00:06:24]
"One of my favorite pictures that I have at home is a picture of myself and my best friend at age three. In fact, this boy was my first playmate, and the picture was taken where the two of us were standing on a log at the public park called South Park in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania." [00:30:44]
"Donnie lived two doors up from me, when I was growing up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania, and we were inseparable buddies when we were three and four and five and six. We began to drift apart a little bit after that because we had such diverse interests." [00:82:90]
"The question that preoccupied my friend, Donnie Whirlow, who is now Dr. Donald Whirlow, of course, a scientist, his whole life he was engaged with asking this question, 'How?' How does it work? How is the human body put together? How are cells constructed? And his curiosity was never ever filled." [03:33:63]
"The question that haunted me from the earliest days of my life. In fact, I can remember walking down another pathway on the way to school. We walked about a mile to school like Abraham Lincoln used to do through the snow, and the last quarter of a mile was in front of this large building." [05:36:90]
"That question inevitably drives you beyond physics to what we call 'metaphysics.' We know the academic discipline that we all are forced to take an introductory aspect of in high school called physics. Metaphysics searches for that which lies above and beyond the scope of the physical." [07:46:54]
"Metaphysics is not something that is indulged in simply by quacks or mystics, but it was the science of the ancient world. People like Plato and Socrates and Aristotle, whose thinking shaped the structures of Western civilization, were very much interested in the question of metaphysics." [08:20:24]
"Ontology is the science or the study of being. 'Ontos' is a participial form of the verb 'to be,' and so it just simply means 'being,' and ontology is the study of being. We have all different kinds of being. We have human beings, divine beings." [14:53:44]
"Ontology asks the question, 'What is ultimate reality?' And it asks questions like this, 'Why is there something rather than nothing?' Do you ever ask that question? Not 'Why am I here?' but 'Why is anything here?'" [17:55:33]
"One of the first laws in anybody's worldview should be ex nihilo nihil fit, 'out of nothing, nothing comes.' It's an ontological law. The second law you should have is that if something exists, if anything participates at all in being, then somewhere, somehow, something, or someone must have the power of being within itself, or nothing could possibly be." [19:42:48]
"Teleology comes from the Greek word that appears often in the New Testament in various forms telos, telos. 'Telos' means 'end,' 'purpose,' or 'goal.' And the science of teleology is the science of purposes and goals." [22:41:01]
"Ladies and gentlemen, we need to think about these things, and we need to think deeply, intently, pondering them." [28:33:50]
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