The Universe in Essays

Abstract: This is the second installment of my commentary on The Grapes of Wrath. I touch on the question of where intolerance truly springs from, and the proper way of overcoming it. Religion is brought into the discussion as an application of the conclusion reached. Written: April 20th, 2015. Pages: 151-152.

Abstract:  This is the first installment of several literary commentaries I've written on Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath . It explores the long-term consequences of refusing to help others when they need it most. The conclusion is reached that even from a self-centered point of view, it is in one's best interests to help others (for whatever that's worth). Written: April 19th, 2015. Pages: 86-87.

Background Information - Philosopher William Lane Craig has developed and defended an argument for the existence of God based on moral considerations. He argues that God is the best explanation for objective moral values and duties. To say that some value or duty is objective  is to say that it is valid and binding whether or not anyone believes it to be so. For example, to say that murder is objectively wrong is to say that it is wrong to murder someone, whether or not anyone actually thinks that it is; the wrongness of murder is independent of opinion. Craig maintains that if God does not exist, moral values and duties cannot be objective in this sense. If we think that there are objective values and duties, then we will conclude that God exists.

Written: April 1st, 2015. Abstract: Having recently written an extensive essay where I argue that all world religions cannot be true [1], my good friend Bruce interacted with the arguments therein and provided me the opportunity to expand my thoughts and augment the essay with considerations about Eastern religions in particular, and how they relate to Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) more generally. Below is an edited transcript of our dialogue (originally in text message format, believe it or not). I end with a reflection on the quality of our discussion.