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Critical Thinking Paper
Courtney Irvin
Liberty University
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Critical Thinking Paper
I.Part I – The Question of Origin
According to the teachings of Secularism, our origins stem from evolution. This idea that
our origins stem from evolution come from Charles Darwin, who theorized that humanity into
existence because we evolved from nature (Evolution 2011). Darwin also said that the belief of
God and religion wasn’t necessary because evolution was proof that God does not exist
(Halverson 1996).
According to the Biblical worldview, the origin of the universe was created by God. The
idea that everything in the universe was created by God is stated in the Book of Genesis. In the
Book of Genesis, it says that God created the Earth, the Sun and the stars in the sky. It also says
that God created man and every animal on the planet (Halverson 1996).
II.Part 2 – The Question of Identity
The teachings of Secularism state that being human is nothing special. Secularism says
that being human means that you are just a random event that is a part of evolution. Secularism
also says that humans are the latest stage of evolution and they are the best (Halverson 1996).
The teachings of the Scriptures tell us that being human means that we are meant to serve
God. Humans are made in God’s image, as well as, the greatest of His creations. One similarity
that Secularism has with Christianity is that humans are placed at a higher level of importance
than that of animals (Halverson 1996).
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III.Part 3 – The Question of Meaning/Purpose
Secularism states that humans have no meaning or purpose in life and that they consist of
one substance called matter. There is no ultimate purpose, so it is up to each individual to decide
his or her purpose in life (Halverson 1996).
Christianity teaches us that human beings have the purpose of knowing and serving God.
Philippians 4:9 says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-
put it into practice, And God of peace will be with you” (New International Version). God would
want us to take what we have learned from studying the Scriptures and apply it to our daily lives.
IV.Part 4 – The Question of Morality
Secularism states that morality is relative. Meaning that all moral actions, whether good
or bad, depends on the person. Secularists believe that humanity is good by nature. Secularism
also states that there is no need for a God because humanity can determine what is morally
correct (Halverson 1996).
Christianity states that God determines what is morally right or wrong. Morality is
determined by God and his Will. What is considered morally wrong in God’s eyes is called sin.
Actions that are morally correct in God’s eyes please Him (Halverson 1996).
V.Part 5 – The Question of Destiny
Secularists believe that there is no God. Believing in a God usually means that there is an
afterlife. According to Secularism, when a person dies there is no afterlife. When a person dies
they just cease to exist in any sort of form (Halverson 1996).
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According to Christianity, when a person dies there is an afterlife. There are two forms of
afterlife. One is called Heaven and the other is called Hell. If a person’s actions are considered
morally correct in God’s eyes, then that person will go to Heaven. If a person’s actions are
considered morally incorrect, then that person will go to Hell (Halverson 1996).
(Word Count 514)
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Reference
Evolution. (2011). Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference
Suite. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica.
Halverson, D. C. (1996). The compact guide to world religions. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany
House.
Holy Bible. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
