The purpose of humanity: An elusive pursuit
In our modern society, innovative and emerging technologies have enabled humankind to develop how to better our ways of living.
We can now circle the entire world in a day, communicate live with friends on the other far side of the earth, and travel to the moon and other planets.
Technology has not only allowed us to improve our lives and the environment but also changed the identity of our humanity. For instance, we now hear of genetic engineering and sex change.
We go way back centuries, wherein humankind has been on a quest to understand its purpose. Philosophers, theologians, and thinkers have grappled with this profound question, seeking answers from various sources.
Among these sources, the Bible stands as a guiding beacon of wisdom, offering insights into the purpose of humanity.
However, while the Bible provides essential clues, it presents a multifaceted and elusive pursuit that continues to challenge us.
Let us explore the biblical perspective on the purpose of humanity and the complexities surrounding its interpretation.
The rise of genetic engineering and transgenderism
Genetic engineering directly alters an organism's attributes by manipulating DNA in a specific manner.
There are many existing and emerging positive outcomes of genetic engineering in our society. For example, it can be applied to produce plants with a higher nutritional content or endure herbicide exposure.
However, many moral, religious, and social issues arise when used for humankind.
Gender-affirming surgery provides transgender people with a body that aligns with their desired gender. This may include facial, chest, or bottom surgery.
Aside from surgery, a person can switch or mimic another gender through hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and voice therapy.
They can also change their name, use different pronouns, and wear the opposite clothing and hairstyle.
”LGBTQ” letters on a person’s hand. (Photo byAlexander Grey from Pexels)
In a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “around 11,000 gender confirmation or sex reassignment, surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2019— around 10% to 15% higher than the previous year.”
Transgender people going through sex reassignment or gender surgery are defined as transsexual.
Frequently, the surgery is performed on people with gender dysphoria—experiencing sadness, anxiety, and depression of not being recognized or accepted by society and having sexual characteristics that they are not comfortable with.
However, the medical evidence indicates that sex reassignment does not sufficiently address the psychosocial hardships experienced by individuals who identify themselves as transgender.
Even when the medical procedures are technically and cosmetically successful, transitioners still face poor outcomes.
The same result also happens even in relatively “trans-friendly cultures."
In a grim report by the Trevor Project, more than 50% of all transgender and nonbinary young individuals in the U.S. seriously considered killing themselves in 2020.
Made in the Image of God
"Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:26-27
Today, humanity faces issues surrounding the boundaries of the application of modern and technological advances and how it affects our true identity.
Genetic engineering grants us godlike abilities to create offspring based on individual desires, inclinations, and preferences.
It grants us godlike abilities to create offspring based on individual desires, inclinations, and preferences.
Sex change has directly challenged God's precept of gender identification. Deuteronomy 22:5 reads: A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this."
In 1 Corinthians 11:14-16, Paul reveals that men and women should not wear their hair so that their gender is identical.
It is unbiblical to dress like a person of the opposite gender. 1 Corinthians 6:9 explains that those who are effeminate will not inherit the kingdom of God. God is explicit—He created us "male and female (Genesis 1:27).
The advent of artificial intelligence
The rise of Artificial Intelligence challenges free will, potentially usurping our freedom of choice. This development raises profound questions about our identity as beings created by God.
Does our alignment with the biblical principle of being made in God's image still hold amidst these advancements?
Amidst these soul-searching questions, we confront our object of worship.
Do we retain the essence of God's worshippers, or have self-absorption and selfishness consumed us?
Have these technologies fueled aspirations to become the next Newton or the mightiest athlete?
We also cherish the thought that we can someday live and survive without perspiring for work and constantly being engaged in the endless pursuit of selfish pleasures.
Today, we still possess God's image, but we also bear the scars of sin. Let us look to Jesus and emulate Him.
Worshiping God: The purpose of humanity
A person standing on a dock. (Photo by Gabriela Palai from Pexels)
"Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."—Matthew 4:10
In our modern society, many of us worship many things but God. In ancient Mesopotamia, each nation had shrines of gods, and all worshipped their gods through images.
Our worship today veers toward rock stars, angels, false deities, wealth, and even Satan. Time is lavished on self-centered pursuits while neglecting genuine devotion and prayer to our Creator.
Peter rebuked Cornelius when he fell at the feet of Peter to worship him. Acts 10:26 says: "But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man." Jesus also sharply admonished Satan when he tried to get Jesus to worship him (Matthew 4:8-10).
We were made to worship God. Worship originated in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve had perfect fellowship with Him, obeyed God, and lived according to His will. Genesis 4: 26 reads, "Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time, people began to call on the name of the Lord."
After the fall, worship became corrupted. But God brought back true worship through His covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David.
Our eternal pursuit
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:23-24
Some people claim they do not worship anyone or anything, but the entire human race worships. Pagans and atheists believe and worship something other than God.
Moreover, everyone is a worshipper. Who or what do we worship?
As believers, every daily activity must be an act of worship, acknowledging our Jealous God, as emphasized in the Bible. Our adoration should solely be directed to our Magnificent Creator.
As we pursue to know and love our Creator, we better understand who we are and our purpose.
We were created in His likeness and to bring Him glory. John Piper wrote, "This is the final end of all existence: the worship of God." Ultimately, God created us for a beautiful purpose—an eternal relationship with Him.
The biblical purpose of humanity remains an elusive pursuit, with layers of meaning and interpretation waiting to be discovered.
While the Bible provides invaluable insights into our relationship with God, the importance of ethical living, and our responsibility as stewards of creation, it also challenges us to delve deeper into its texts to uncover the true meaning of our existence.
Let us embrace the wisdom of the Bible and continue our journey of seeking purpose, understanding, and a profound connection with the Divine.
