The Existence of God in the Context of Human Civilization and Understanding

Throughout human history, the concept of God has served as a cornerstone in the fabric of many societies. The idea that God exists for humanity to know and love Him, and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization, is a recurring theme across various religious and philosophical traditions.

Bahá'í Teachings on the Purpose of God

According to Bahá'u'lláh in The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan), true knowledge and understanding of God can only be achieved when individuals cease to rely on the words and deeds of mortal men in their quest for divine wisdom. This profound understanding is essential for eternal spiritual advancement, as stated in the following quote:

“... as man can never hope to attain unto the knowledge of the All-Glorious can never quaff from the stream of divine knowledge and wisdom can never enter the abode of immortality nor partake of the cup of divine nearness and favour unless and until he ceases to regard the words and deeds of mortal men as a standard for the true understanding and recognition of God and His Prophets.”

Reconciliation of Human Limitations with the Eternal God

Our minds, being finite and limited in knowledge and understanding, often struggle to comprehend the concept of an eternal, infinite God. This inquiry into the existence of God often leads to a discussion of His purpose. Many believe that God exists to love humanity with such affection that He has allowed His son, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed so that those who accept this sacrifice may live forever with Him. This belief is deeply rooted in many religious traditions, offering a salve to fears and uncertainties in an otherwise unpredictable world.

For the agnostic or the one with little understanding of faith, the existence of God serves as a handy explanation for things they do not yet understand, offering a more elegant and sophisticated response than simply saying, "just because." However, it fundamentally means the same thing: an explanation grounded in faith rather than empirical evidence.

Evolution of Religious Practices

The concept of God and its purpose have evolved over time. In the past, when people were uneducated and lacking in scientific knowledge, they created stories or myths to explain the world around them, often attributing these explanations to divine intervention. This practice has been useful in several ways. For instance, religion provided a sense of cohesion and identity, particularly in the formation of groups and nations. It also played a role in the construction of enmity and conflict towards those who were considered different or followed different beliefs.

Today, the purpose of religion, including the belief in God, remains largely similar. Religious communities continue to rely on the concept of a divine being to guide and inspire their members, fostering a shared sense of purpose and moral framework. However, in the 21st century, some argue that the need for such explanations has diminished, suggesting that modern scientific understanding has rendered the traditional reasons for religious belief as redundant and anachronistic.

It is worth noting that the existence of God, as a concept, has had various uses throughout history. It has been a cornerstone in the formation and maintenance of coherent communities, a source of moral and ethical guidelines, and a unifying force during times of conflict and uncertainty. Despite the evolution of societal and scientific understanding, the belief in a higher entity continues to play a significant role in the lives of millions of people across the globe.

Keywords: God’s Purpose, Existence of God, Religious Beliefs, Faith and Civilization