My Thoughts

A few days ago, I found myself in a zombie-like state of sleep deprivation, only mildly curtailed by the massive quantities of caffeine I had already consumed. This is the state in which I first attempted to read DesCartes. To be honest, I didn’t understand a single word. Sitting down to write this blog, I had every intention of writing on Edwards, but I just couldn’t allow myself to be entirely defeated. So even if I sound like a complete moron, and even if I still can’t grasp much past the first few pages, I’m a moron who, at least in her own mind, has accomplished something.

DesCartes begins by almost immediately stating his beliefs. He groups himself with the faithful, claiming that, for those who believe, proof of the existence of God is not needed because faith is sufficient. The problem is with those who don’t believe. Although it is clear to believers that God reveals himself through creation (Romans 1:20), some people still don’t believe, despite the evidence.

I imagine DesCartes began his thought process by asking himself the same question I often ask myself: How can someone come to believe in God despite having once believed He did not exist? I cannot recall a time in my life when I did not believe in God, therefore the very idea of atheism sounds strange and foolish to me. But if someone was never taught about God, or if he or she was told from a young age that God did not exist, my views probably seem just as, if not more foolish to that person.

So is it really a natural instinct of humanity to believe in, worship, and obey God? I believe so, because I have faith in God, and I believe the Bible to be true. I have also heard testimony of former atheists who also make this claim. But if this is the case, why are there still so many who don’t believe? Are only certain people drawn to God? (A question for another time, I suppose.) DesCarte’s idea of clearing his mind of all reality in order to “inquire how and by what way... God may be more easily and certainly known...,” is a fascinating one. However, I personally, and I may be the only one, don’t have enough faith in the power of my own mind to think that I could define existence from nothingness. Maybe I’m just simple-minded, but even though I keep seeking answers and truth, I am content in the idea that I don’t have the ability within myself to know all things.

P.S. I commented on Amanda Gaster's