Transcending the Ordinary | Unraveling the Ontological Argument | How Our Innate Longing Points to a Transcendent Reality
In this thoughtful dialogue, Alister McGrath challenges us to re-examine the ontological argument—a line of reasoning that, although often dismissed within mainstream Christian thought, finds greater resonance in Islamic and Hindu traditions. McGrath suggests that our deep, inexplicable yearning for something beyond our immediate existence is not arbitrary; it points to the presence of a transcendent reality that the material world alone cannot satisfy.
He explains that many classical arguments, including the ontological argument, have been “pressed far too far” by enthusiastic theologians. In non-Christian traditions, however, these arguments are not only alive but serve as essential pillars of belief. McGrath reminds us that even within Christianity, there remains a “proper place” for such arguments when they help bridge the gap between human imagination and the divine.
Drawing on historical insights, McGrath cites an example from 11th-century Canterbury. The early theologian there did not merely view the argument as a sterile logical exercise but as an invitation to recognize that if God truly exists, the reality of God must far exceed our mere thoughts about Him. This perspective underscores a universal human experience: a deep sense that there is something beyond what our limited senses can perceive.
McGrath further elaborates on the power of human imagination by referencing the insights of J.R.R. Tolkien. He notes that the very act of dreaming—of envisioning a world better than the one we currently inhabit—is not evidence of mere fantasy. Rather, it acts as a signpost pointing to the existence of that better world, a reality that calls us toward the divine.
Yet, McGrath also acknowledges that while this longing can be compelling, it does not necessarily bring comfort through certainty. Instead, it provokes a continuous quest—a questioning of whether the reality we know is complete or if it is merely a part of a larger, more mysterious cosmos that awaits discovery.
Every day, this sense of unfulfilled wonder endures, prompting us to ask: Is there more beyond the horizons of our current knowledge? According to McGrath, this persistent longing may be the most significant exponent of the ontological argument—a call to look beyond the mundane and explore a reality imbued with meaning and transcendence.
Ultimately, the dialogue invites us to consider that our capacity to dream and to feel a deep, unquenchable longing might itself be a form of evidence. It challenges us to accept that our inner experience, our imagination of a world that transcends the physical, could very well be a sign of a divine reality that science alone cannot explain.
Key Takeaways:
- The ontological argument gains strength from our inherent longing for something greater, resonating across various religious traditions.
- Our capacity to imagine a better world suggests that our material existence is incomplete, pointing to a transcendent reality.
- McGrath’s dialogue challenges us to explore beyond conventional boundaries and consider that our deep yearnings might be evidence of the divine.
“Some argue that if a ‘Perfect Being’ could exist, a Perfect Being must exist, because a Perfect Being is necessary.”
Call to Action:
Join the conversation at SpeciesUniverse.com and share your thoughts on how our deep-seated longings might be clues to a higher, transcendent reality. Engage with our community as we explore the intersections of science, faith, and the mysteries that lie beyond our everyday experience.
~Comments always welcome…
References:
- Closertotruth.com (Website)
- Closer To Truth (YouTube Channel)
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