Thank you for the question on the Bible and us, “Why are many educated people looking into the Bible, and should what it says about the creator matter to us and our loved ones?”
Whether one is more educated or less educated, every human being ponders about life. The poor people wonder about the continuous struggle for quality of life while the rich people wonder about the purpose of life. As one moves beyond middle age, one may begin to think about “retirement” and the end of life.
For some educated people, the question of the purpose of life is critical for that gives them meaning in what s/he is doing on earth. Without meaning, then why is one increasing wealth for 35–40 years when at the end one leaves it all behind. One’s beautiful house and expensive car will be sold one day as one ponders senior living. It’s too much to upkeep a large home as one can only sleep in one bed in a five bedroom home. Soon or later, one can’t drive any more and have 3 cars is unnecessary. The newer models will replace the older one. It’s an endless updating of things.
For some educated people, the question of the origin of life is troubling. As one reads more and more about the planet Earth and its uniqueness in its place in the Universe, what are the odds of everything being so perfectly align to form life on earth. Is it all by random chance? It’s possible but not probable. The human mind wants to know is there something more beyond ourselves. The educated person is not superstitious for s/he wants to know why or how the world works. The deeper one looks into our world, the greater the questions about the theory of evolution or natural evolution of our world.
For many educated people, their wealth and position in life enables them to move beyond survival to enjoying life. They may have more time. With more time, the greater the reflection on life. Yes, there will be those who will eat, drink, and be merry. Other individuals will think more philosophical about life as they look on our world. We’re interested in saving the planet, but we’re not interested in saving the people on this planet. We’re interested in peace, but few are truly peaceful. They see the hypocrisy of our culture and of the world. Can they make a difference and what differences will it make at the end if the grave is everyone’s destiny!
King Solomon is writing the Book of Ecclesiastes has already addressed the vanity of this life without the belief in God. It is ultimate all in vain with few if anyone truly remembers what one has contributed in this life in 500 or 5000 years from now. Perhaps having most of everything and knowing so much about our world and ourselves, the educated person has come to a full circle. Nothing make sense without the belief in God or life doesn’t make sense at all.
Summary: Regardless of one status in life, one wants to know that his or her life matters beyond life on Earth. The consideration of the existence of God provides in part the search for the meaning of life including oneself.
-Kingston