Humanity has grappled with fundamental questions since the dawn of consciousness, and perhaps none is as universally pondered as, “Why Are We Here?” It’s a question that echoes through philosophy, religion, and personal introspection, seeking to unravel the very essence of our being. The ancient Westminster Catechism, in its opening lines, posed a similar inquiry: “What is the chief end of man?” The profound answer offered was: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
In contemporary terms, this timeless question resonates just as deeply. Why are we here, on this Earth, amidst the vast expanse of the cosmos? The answer, as explored in this article, posits a purposeful creation: We are here because an eternal God created us, with the intention that we might be in profound union with Him, and in so doing, reflect and spread His glory throughout creation. Let’s delve into this concept, examining the foundations upon which this understanding is built.
The Undeniable Reality of Existence
In the realm of certainties, the most undeniable truth for each of us is our own existence. “I think, therefore I am,” the famous dictum declares, capturing the irrefutable awareness of self. Extending from this personal certainty, we also perceive the existence of the world around us – our homes, workplaces, loved ones, the very ground beneath our feet. These are not mere illusions; they are tangible realities that form the fabric of our daily lives.
If we can concur on this basic premise – that we, and the world around us, exist – then the next logical step is to contemplate why. Why does anything exist at all? Why are we here, experiencing life, rather than simply not being? Is there a deeper purpose to our presence on this Earth? And if so, what exactly is it? These questions are not merely academic; they strike at the heart of our meaning and significance.
Two Competing Explanations for Our Existence
When we delve into the question of why we exist, rather than not existing, two primary explanations emerge, each presenting a vastly different perspective on our origins and purpose.
The Cosmic Accident Theory: Chance and Atoms
One explanation, often referred to as the cosmic accident theory, suggests that our existence is the result of an unbelievably improbable series of random events. According to this view, atoms, the fundamental building blocks of matter, began moving and interacting in a chaotic dance of cosmic proportions. Through sheer chance and over unimaginable timescales, these interactions eventually led to the formation of stars, planets, and ultimately, life itself, including intelligent beings like ourselves.
While this theory holds appeal for some, and individuals are certainly entitled to embrace it, it encounters significant challenges upon closer examination. The most pressing issue lies in the very origin of the atoms themselves. Where did these fundamental particles come from? What force or mechanism set them into motion in the first place? Everything we observe in the universe operates under principles of cause and effect. Something cannot come from absolutely nothing. Without addressing the origin of the atoms, the cosmic accident theory leaves a critical question unanswered, rendering its explanation incomplete and, for many, unconvincing.
The Divine Design Theory: Creation by a Deity
The alternative explanation proposes that our existence is not a random occurrence, but rather the intentional outcome of a deliberate act of creation. This perspective posits the existence of an entity, a being unbound by the limitations of time and space, that transcends the material universe. This entity, often referred to as a deity or simply God, is considered uncreated and self-existent, thus eliminating the need to explain its own origin. According to this view, we are here because this intelligent and powerful being chose to create us, to bring us into existence for a specific purpose.
While various explanations might be offered, the divine design theory, for many, presents a more coherent and satisfying account of our origins. It addresses the fundamental question of first cause, providing a framework for understanding the existence of both the universe and ourselves. As popularized by figures like Matt Whitman of The Ten Minute Bible Hour, the very existence of “stuff” – of creation itself – strongly suggests a Creator. If there were no Creator, why would there be creation? The presence of existence points towards a deliberate act of creation, rather than a random emergence from nothingness.
The Anthropic Principle: Evidence of Design
The argument for intentional design gains further weight when we consider the intricate and finely-tuned nature of the universe we inhabit. It’s not merely that “stuff” exists, but that this “stuff” is arranged and organized with remarkable precision, seemingly optimized for the very existence of life. This observation leads us to the Anthropic Principle.
The Anthropic Principle, often described as the Law of Human Existence, is a scientific principle that highlights the extraordinary conditions necessary for life to arise and flourish in the universe. It quantifies the “why” behind our ability to exist, revealing that our presence as living creatures, and the very habitability of Earth, are dependent on a vast number of factors falling within incredibly narrow ranges.
Consider, for example, Earth’s position in what is known as the “Goldilocks Zone.” This zone represents the narrow band of distance from a star where planetary temperatures allow liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface. Too close to the star, and water would boil away; too far, and it would freeze solid. Earth resides precisely within this zone, a crucial factor for the development and sustenance of life as we know it. This fine-tuning extends beyond planetary orbit, encompassing factors such as Earth’s reflectivity of ultraviolet light, the unique properties of water itself, and the protective roles of Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field against cosmic radiation. Even the solar system’s location within the Milky Way galaxy contributes to a relatively safe and stable environment for life.
Furthermore, this fine-tuning is evident even at the subatomic level. The precise ratios of proton size to neutron size, and their opposing electrical charges, are perfectly balanced to allow for the formation of the complex molecules necessary for life. Any significant deviation in these fundamental constants could render the universe incapable of supporting life as we know it.
Critics of the intelligent design argument, often employing the Anthropic Principle, contend that it merely describes that we exist, not why. They argue that our universe is simply one among an infinite number of possible universes, and we happen to find ourselves in the one where existence is possible. In other universes, where conditions are not conducive to life, no observers exist to ponder the question. This line of reasoning, however, often falls into circular logic: we exist because it was possible for us to exist.
Even within this framework, the fundamental question of a First Cause remains unresolved. If there are infinite universes, what is the origin of these universes? The existence of such finely-tuned conditions, seemingly essential for life, strongly suggests the presence of a “fine-tuner,” an intelligent designer who orchestrated these conditions purposefully.
Creation and Purpose: Why Were We Created?
Assuming, then, that our existence is not a cosmic accident, but rather the intentional act of an intelligent Creator, the next compelling question becomes: Why? If we were created, what was the purpose behind our creation? What is the motive of this Creator?
To answer these profound questions, we must turn to the identity of the Creator Himself. Understanding who the Creator is provides the key to unlocking the purpose for our creation.
The Judeo-Christian Perspective: God as Creator
The Judeo-Christian worldview offers a comprehensive and compelling answer to the question of our origins and purpose. It begins with the foundational declaration: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This opening line of the Bible is not merely a statement of cosmic origins; it is a profound theological assertion. It introduces a God who pre-exists time and matter, a God who is Himself the very source of existence. By creating “the heavens and the earth,” a phrase in ancient Hebrew encompassing all of reality, God establishes Himself as the ultimate Creator of everything that is.
The theme of creation and re-creation resonates throughout the entire narrative of the Bible. From the initial creation in Genesis to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation, the Bible consistently points to God as the originator and sustainer of all things. This perspective offers a framework for understanding our place within a grand cosmic narrative, a narrative initiated and guided by a loving and purposeful Creator.
The Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Creation
Christian theology further elaborates on the nature of this Creator, revealing a God who is not simply a singular entity, but a Trinity – one God existing in three co-equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This concept, while complex and sometimes challenging to grasp fully, is central to Christian understanding of God.
As pastor Mark Moore elucidates in his book Core 52, the Bible itself hints at the triune nature of God from its very opening verses. In the Genesis creation account, we see the distinct roles of each person of the Trinity:
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God the Father: The Architect, the originator of creation, the one who conceived the design and declared creation into being.
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God the Holy Spirit: The Life-Giver, present in the beginning, hovering over the waters, and described as the “breath of life” breathed into humanity in Genesis 2.
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God the Son (Jesus Christ): The Agent of Creation, the Word through whom all things were made. As Genesis 1:3 states, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” The New Testament, particularly the Gospel of John, explicitly identifies Jesus as the “Word” present at creation, through whom all things were made (John 1:1-3). Passages like Colossians 1:16 and Hebrews 1:1-2 further affirm Jesus’ central role in creation, stating that “all things have been created through him and for him.”
Thus, according to Christian theology, creation is not merely the work of a singular, impersonal force, but the intentional and unified act of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in perfect harmony to bring the universe and humanity into being.
Implications of Creation: Inherent Value and Purpose
Understanding that we are created beings, intentionally fashioned by the Triune God, carries profound implications for how we view ourselves and our place in the world.
Firstly, it imbues us with inherent and indelible value. If we are the product of random chance, a cosmic accident, then our existence ultimately lacks inherent meaning or purpose. We are, in essence, just stardust, colliding and drifting through the vastness of space. However, if we are intentionally created by a loving and intelligent God, then our existence is imbued with purpose and significance from the very beginning. Our lives matter, not just in a fleeting, temporal sense, but eternally.
Why? Because value is bestowed by the creator. Consider a painting by Rembrandt. Its value is not inherent in the canvas or the paint, but rather in the fact that it was created by the hand of a master artist. Similarly, humanity, as the pinnacle of God’s creation (Psalm 8:5), is imbued with immeasurable worth because we are created by God, in His very image (Genesis 1:26). This image-bearing capacity reflects God’s own attributes – rationality, creativity, relationality, and morality – setting humanity apart as uniquely valuable within creation. God, in His infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, created us to reflect Him, and this act of creation is itself an expression of His love and a bestowal of intrinsic worth upon each and every human being.
Furthermore, the presence of the Holy Spirit, embedded within all of creation, reveals evidence of God’s glory throughout the Earth. From the majestic grandeur of mountains and oceans to the delicate beauty of a snowflake or a blade of grass, creation itself testifies to the artistry and power of its Creator. When we appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, we are, in essence, recognizing and glorifying God, the source of all splendor.
And because God the Son, Jesus Christ, was the agent through whom creation came into being, we find hope and assurance in redemption and restoration. The world, marred by human rebellion and brokenness, is not abandoned by its Creator. Jesus, the very one who fashioned the cosmos, is also the one who is actively working to redeem and restore it. This redemption is not merely a future promise, but a present reality, unfolding in our world even now.
Created for Communion and Relationship
The very nature of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing in perfect unity and love – reveals that God is inherently communal and relational. This relational nature is not merely an attribute of God, but His very essence. And it is this relational God who created humanity, not out of necessity, but out of an overflowing abundance of love.
The perfect love and communion within the Godhead spurred God to create human beings in His image, so that we too could participate in relationship – both with Him and with each other. We are created for union with God, to give ourselves fully to Him, just as He has given Himself fully to us. This is not a distant or abstract concept, but a call to intimate and transformative relationship with our Creator.
Furthermore, reflecting God’s own relational nature, we are created for community with fellow human beings. God has given us one another to love, support, and encourage, to practice the very love that He has shown us. These relationships are not merely incidental to our existence, but are integral to our purpose and flourishing as image-bearers of a relational God.
Created to Spread God’s Glory
If God already existed in perfect communion and glory within the Trinity, why then would He create humanity, knowing that we would rebel, fall short, and disrupt the goodness of creation? The answer, surprisingly, lies in the very act of spreading His glory.
“Glory,” in a theological context, encompasses God’s inherent worth, splendor, and perfection. It is the manifestation of His attributes and character. And creation itself is designed to reflect and radiate this glory.
Firstly, as the ultimate Architect of the universe, everything God has made points back to His awesomeness and perfection. When we marvel at a breathtaking sunset, the intricate complexity of a living cell, or the vibrant biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, we are, in essence, acknowledging and praising the Creator for His magnificent artistry. In enjoying and appreciating God’s creation, we are enjoying the Creator Himself, and in so doing, God’s glory is spread.
Secondly, if God is love itself (1 John 4:8), then expanding His love beyond the Trinity increases the very expression of love in the universe. And when creation, particularly humanity, responds in love back to God, it further amplifies the love within creation, generating value and further spreading God’s glory.
Building upon this, God created humanity in His image, giving us a mandate to rule and reign over creation (Genesis 1:28) as His stewards. When we care for creation, cultivate its potential, and live in accordance with God’s design, we reflect His wisdom and goodness, and God’s glory is spread.
This concept of glorifying God is not about narcissistic self-aggrandizement on God’s part. As the Creator, He is inherently worthy of all honor and praise. God is not merely an enhanced version of humanity; He is fundamentally different, the very source of being itself. And if creation is designed to function in dependence upon Him, then glorifying God is not just about religious duty, but about aligning ourselves with the very purpose and flourishing of creation. It is, in fact, a selfless motivation, rooted in the very nature of reality.
To Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever
In conclusion, if we accept the premise of a Creator God who intentionally brought us into existence, then the answer to “Why are we here?” becomes remarkably clear.
We are here to know the One who created us. To cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God, understanding His character, His love, and His purposes.
We are here to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to obey His commands, living in accordance with His will for our lives. This is the path to true union with Him and the fulfillment of our created purpose.
And in living in relationship with God and reflecting His character in our lives, we are here to spread His glory throughout creation, making His goodness and love known in every sphere of our existence.
Furthermore, we are here to enjoy the abundant gifts He has created for us – the beauty of the natural world, the richness of human relationships, the simple pleasures of life. These are not distractions from our purpose, but rather expressions of God’s love and provisions for our flourishing.
And ultimately, we are created to enjoy Him forever. This is not merely a future hope, but a present reality, a call to find our deepest joy and satisfaction in relationship with the Father of heavenly lights, the source of all good gifts. In glorifying God and enjoying Him, we discover the very purpose for which we were created, and in that purpose, we find true meaning and fulfillment in our existence.
