The Universe in Essays

Abstract: If there were no God, would morality still bind our lives? Would moral duties still guide our actions, and moral values provide goals to strive for? It is my contention that they would not. If God does not exist, an objective moral standard do not exist. By  " objective", one means something like, "valid and binding independently of human opinion." To say that rape is objectively wrong, for instance, is to say that it is wrong to rape another person, whether or not anyone actually thinks that it is. My claim is that if atheism is true, morality cannot exist so-defined. If I am on the right track here, then if God does not exist, genuine moral progress among the world's cultures cannot occur either. But if we think that moral progress does take place, we will conclude that God exists. Below is a conversation I had with an atheist thinker about these reflections on God and morality. Written: June 2015.

Written: June 2015. Question -  I like your genuine pursuit, however there is a fundamental flaw with the process in which you have taken to address my issues, unfortunately; the so called 'infallible word of god' has books that are stolen essentially. Some passages in proverbs, some phrases Jesus has said 'love everyone like yourself' as well as the book of genesis were all clear rip offs of historical books.

Abstract: I love discussing philosophy and religion on online forums. Not only is it an opportunity to develop my communication skills, but it helps me to see how far I've come in my studies. I recently discussed the moral argument for the existence of God with someone who had (what they took to be) some serious objections. Below is my interlocutor's post, and my response. Written: June 2015. Objections -  Hey guys, where I'm at right now I don't endorse the moral argument. Because of this debate between William Lane Craig and Stephen Law (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7FhphWDokA) I believe that Craig's best-outreaching argument based on moral absolutes is isn't sound. Law brought up good points, and because of his objections, (not to mention Craig saying other places that we can say that God's goodness is also established in the moral argument that then flatly denying it here) have led me to believe that the moral argument isn't sound. I reall...

Prompt: To what extent did Peter the Great change Russian society? Written: May 2015 Peter the Great (1672-1735), towering over his peers at nearly seven feet, was one of the most influential Tsars of all time. Prior to his reign, Russia was steeped in economic downturn, rampant poverty, and widespread famine. [1] Under Peter’s direction, Russia was pulled out of its medieval stupor, westernized in every conceivable way, and transformed into a power to be reckoned with. Specifically, Peter the Great revolutionized Russian society through domestic, military, and government reforms.

Abstract: Fiction embodies religion and philosophy just as much as any other human creation. Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath is no exception. Detailed analysis of the beliefs of ex-preacher Jim Casy shows that Steinbeck creates the character of Casy to serve as an advocate for his (Steinbeck's) philosophical persuasions; namely, atheistic humanism. The atheistic humanist worldview is critiqued and found wanting. Written: May 2015

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.