¿Se puede vivir sin Dios? | Universidad de los Andes

Can We Live Without God? Introduction to the Event

Welcome and Context

• The event "Can We Live Without God?" is introduced, emphasizing excitement about attendees' presence despite challenges in Bogotá.

• Attendees are encouraged to prepare questions for the speakers, with a promise of ample time for discussion without restrictions on question types.

• A method for submitting questions via an application is explained, ensuring audience engagement during the dialogue.

Historical Background

• The speaker reflects on past discussions about God in academic settings, mentioning a significant course at Universidad Nacional from 1996 focused on belief and power.

• Notable theologian Hans Küng's visit around 2000 is highlighted as pivotal in sparking interest in God's existence within Colombian universities.

Acknowledgments

• Gratitude is expressed towards Universidad de los Andes and Cruz group for facilitating the event and promoting dialogues across various universities.

• Special thanks are given to Edgardo Peña and Luis Beltrán for their support, along with Erika Nieto for her early involvement.

Panel Discussion Setup

Introduction of Moderators and Panelists

• Kika Nieto is introduced as the moderator, encouraging attendees to prepare their questions freely without fear of judgment.

• William Mauricio Beltrán, an expert on religious behavior analysis in Colombia, was invited but unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. His insights were requested via email.

Expectations from Participants

• The importance of participant engagement is emphasized; attendees are reminded that this event may be repeated at other universities across Colombia.

Panelist Introductions

Welcoming Panelists

• Kika Nieto welcomes panelists Jerson, Andy, and Josué who will contribute to the discussion on living without God.

Background of Panelists

• Each panelist's background is briefly mentioned: Josué hails from Málaga while Andy and Jerson are from Madrid.

• Josué’s qualifications include engineering from Castilla-La Mancha University alongside theological studies at Oxford.

This structured approach provides clarity on key themes discussed during the event while allowing easy navigation through timestamps linked directly to specific moments in the transcript.

Discussion on Living Without God

Introduction of Speakers

• The session introduces Andy, the director of "Pontea," a significant institute in Spain and Europe.

• Jerson is also introduced as a civil engineer from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, with theological studies from Oxford and a master's in global ethics and justice.

• Andy has theological studies from Knoxford and Austria, along with a master's in research in theology from UNISA in South Africa.

Format of the Discussion

• Participants are encouraged to ask questions freely regarding the central theme: "Can one live without God?"

• Questions can be submitted via a QR code or by raising hands for traditional interaction.

Opening Remarks

• Kika expresses her calmness despite being asked if she feels nervous about answering questions.

• The question posed requires clarification on what it means to "live" and what "God" signifies.

Clarifying Concepts

• The discussion aims to avoid superficial beliefs that merely provide comfort; instead, it seeks truth.

• Historically, God is viewed as an omnipotent, omniscient creator—an uncaused cause discussed by philosophers.

Exploring Life Beyond Biological Existence

• It’s established that belief in God is not necessary for biological survival; thus, one can live without God biologically.

• A reference to Disney's "WALL-E" illustrates that living transcends mere survival; it involves deeper existential meaning.

Understanding True Living

• Cultural references (e.g., lyrics from Coldplay and Taylor Swift) emphasize that living encompasses more than just existing physically.

• Humans are complex beings; discussions should address life holistically rather than reducing it to mere biological functions.

Two Key Questions Raised

1. Understanding the World:

• We need God to comprehend our existence beyond intellectual pursuits; our worldview shapes self-understanding.

2. Living Fully:

• Belief in God may be essential for experiencing a fulfilling life. This perspective invites further discussion on its validity compared to alternatives.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy navigation back to specific parts of the discussion.

Understanding Existence and the Divine

The Importance of Worldviews

• Everyone must question their worldview; it shapes our understanding of ourselves and the universe.

• Even atheism is a worldview that implies specific beliefs about existence, impacting ethics, identity, and purpose.

• Individuals are encouraged to reflect on whether they can live a fulfilling life without God or if reality can be explained without divine influence.

Arguments for God's Existence

Observational Evidence

• There are three areas where evidence for God's existence can be found: external observations, internal reflections, and historical analysis.

• External observations suggest that everything that begins to exist has a cause; thus, the universe likely has an external cause beyond itself.

The Nature of the Universe

• The first cause must be timeless, immaterial, and powerful—characteristics attributed to God.

• Fundamental constants in the universe indicate precise conditions necessary for life; slight variations would render existence impossible.

Scientific Perspectives

• Stephen Weinberg, an atheist Nobel Prize-winning physicist, notes that natural laws allow for observers like humans; any minor changes in physical quantities would prevent life as we know it.

Internal Reflections on Existence

Human Desires and Yearnings

• Personal introspection reveals deep desires for transcendence and connection that material experiences cannot fulfill.

• These yearnings may point towards a greater reality or divine connection beyond human experience.

Historical Context

Jesus of Nazareth's Impact

• Jesus is presented as a pivotal figure who significantly influenced history with his teachings on love and his resurrection claims.

• His assertion of being "I am" suggests he embodies the creator God seeking personal relationship with humanity.

Conclusion: Seeking Understanding Beyond Biology

Living Fully Without God?

• A meaningful life transcends biological needs; values such as purpose, relationships, beauty, and hope stem from deeper existential truths rather than mere scientific explanations.

The Power of Love: Can We Live Without God?

The Central Role of Love

• The speaker emphasizes that love is the primary driving force in life, suggesting it is essential for human existence and development.

• Love is crucial not only for infants, who require maternal affection for healthy brain development, but also remains vital for adults throughout their lives.

• Cultural references, such as the film "Bohemian Rhapsody," illustrate the universal quest for love and belonging, highlighting its significance even amidst success.

• The speaker quotes Freddie Mercury on loneliness despite worldly success, underscoring that true fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships rather than material achievements.

• Love and heartbreak are pervasive themes in art and music, indicating that these emotions resonate deeply with everyone.

Justifying the Existence of Love

• The discussion touches on how personal experiences shape our understanding of love; mistakes often stem from a desire to be loved.

• A critical question arises: if God does not exist, can love merely be reduced to chemical reactions in our brains?

• The speaker argues against viewing love solely as a biological function, asserting that this perspective diminishes its profound emotional significance.

• True love encompasses self-sacrifice and deep connections beyond mere physical attraction or chemical responses.

• A worldview must adequately explain why we yearn for love and why interpersonal relationships often fall short.

Christian Perspective on Love

• Within Christianity, the speaker finds a compelling explanation: God embodies love itself and created humans with an inherent purpose to love one another.

• This belief posits that our longing for connection stems from being made in God's image—an image rooted in relationality and affection.

• Unlike other religions, Christianity presents a personal God whose nature is fundamentally loving; this concept shapes human identity and purpose significantly.

• The essence of existence is tied to love's preeminence before creation; thus, life’s meaning transcends mere survival or random chance.

• Humans are portrayed as intentional creations rather than accidents of evolution; this notion fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Understanding the Nature of Love and Its Spiritual Dimension

The Spiritual Aspect of Love

• The speaker emphasizes that love has a spiritual dimension, which is more convincing than any other explanation. This belief stems from the idea that humans share attributes with God, who is defined as love.

Frustration in Seeking Love

• The speaker discusses human frustration with love, attributing it to a disconnection from God, the source of love. This disconnect leads to selfishness and an inability to truly love others.

Egoism vs. Purpose

• Many religions and atheistic views identify egoism as humanity's core problem. The Bible supports this by stating that it contradicts our purpose, which is to love.

Misuse of Relationships

• People often use each other to fill their emotional voids instead of seeking fulfillment from God. This creates burdens in relationships as individuals expect too much from one another.

Transformative Power of God's Love

• Living with God's love can serve as an antidote to societal issues and personal struggles, transforming life into a vibrant experience rather than mere survival.

The Impact of Unconditional Love on Identity

Acceptance Without Conditions

• Knowing one is unconditionally loved by God can significantly enhance self-worth and identity, breaking cultural molds that dictate conditional acceptance based on performance or behavior.

Freedom from Conditionality

• Understanding unconditional love liberates individuals from the need to earn affection, fostering a healthier sense of self-worth and purpose within society.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Faith's Benefits

Research Findings on Mental Health

• Professor Andrew Sims highlights through extensive research that religious belief positively impacts mental and physical health, marking it as one of psychiatry's best-kept secrets.

The Role of Jesus in Reconciliation

Jesus' Sacrificial Love

• Jesus exemplifies sacrificial love by offering himself for humanity’s redemption, aiming to reconnect people with the source of true love amidst their brokenness.

Need for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

• Emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness is crucial for individual well-being and societal harmony; without these elements, people carry heavy burdens leading to conflict.

Integrating Science, Emotion, and Philosophy

Holistic Approach to Life Questions

• The speaker advocates for an integrated view combining science (material aspects), emotion (love), and philosophy (meaning), suggesting this approach can help address profound life questions effectively.

What Happens to Your Faith if Jesus' Body is Found?

Understanding Faith

• The speaker introduces the question of faith and its implications, particularly in relation to the hypothetical discovery of Jesus' body.

• Clarifies that faith is often misunderstood as blind belief; however, true faith involves trust based on evidence and understanding.

• Emphasizes that biblical faith translates to confidence rather than mere belief without reason, highlighting a rational basis for faith.

• Encourages questioning beliefs and seeking evidence rather than accepting ideas blindly, reinforcing the importance of informed faith.

Evidence Supporting Resurrection

• Discusses the resurrection of Jesus as a significant piece of historical evidence that supports Christian faith.

• Argues that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, Christians would be pitiable; yet many were convinced enough to die for this belief.

• Notes that both followers and adversaries acknowledged the empty tomb, suggesting a shared recognition of this pivotal event in history.

Addressing Questions on Love and Acceptance

• Responding to a question about why Christians do not allow same-sex love, emphasizing that all individuals are created by God with inherent value.

• Stresses that no one should be marginalized or rejected based on their actions or feelings; everyone has infinite worth according to Christian teachings.

The Nature of Love Beyond Sexuality

• Highlights that love encompasses more than just sexual relationships; it can manifest in various forms accessible to everyone.

• Acknowledges misconceptions about Christianity's view on sex, asserting it is not inherently negative but part of God's creation with purpose.

The Significance of Sexual Relationships

• Clarifies that while discussing sexuality, it's important not to shy away from questions regarding sexual expression within Christian doctrine.

• Reinforces that experiencing love is valid for all people but emphasizes framing discussions around sex within broader relational contexts.

• Concludes by stating sex serves deeper purposes beyond physical interaction; it fosters profound connections between individuals.

Understanding Limits and Freedom in Christianity

The Role of Limits

• The speaker discusses the dual nature of limits, suggesting that while they can break us, they are also part of God's intention for our lives.

• Limits are not inherently negative; they can provide safety, as illustrated by walking on sidewalks versus roads.

• Personal anecdote: The speaker uses their children at a park to demonstrate how boundaries allow for freedom within a safe environment.

• Properly established limits can enhance experiences, allowing individuals to thrive (e.g., driving faster on highways due to clear boundaries).

• Questions arise about whether certain limits are beneficial or harmful, particularly regarding sexual experiences.

Sexuality and Fulfillment

• Many people believe that ultimate satisfaction comes from sexual experiences, which can be damaging for those who do not engage in them.

• This belief is oppressive; if fulfillment is solely found in sex, many will never achieve it.

• Christianity posits that true fulfillment comes from relationships and being known and loved by God—accessible to everyone regardless of their relationship status or sexual orientation.

Faith and Science: Bridging Beliefs

Francis Collins and Evolution

• Introduction of Francis Collins as a prominent biologist who reconciles faith with scientific understanding.

• Collins led the Human Genome Project and believes in both evolution and the resurrection of Jesus based on historical evidence.

Complexity of Creation

• He compares genetic complexity to art, suggesting that such beauty points towards a divine creator rather than random chance.

• Atheists also recognize this complexity but struggle with its implications without acknowledging God’s existence.

Theological Perspectives on Creation

Understanding Origins through Hermeneutics

• Discussion on different interpretations within Christianity regarding the origins of the universe—hermeneutics plays a crucial role in understanding biblical texts.

Different Views on Creation

• Three main perspectives:

• Literalist Creationism: Belief that God created the universe in six literal days (24-hour periods).

• Old Earth Creationism: Accepting an ancient earth (approximately 13.8 billion years old), allowing for non-literal creation timelines.

• Theistic Evolution: Acceptance of evolution as God's method for creation.

Core Messages from Genesis

• Emphasis on Genesis focusing more on theological questions about God’s nature and humanity's purpose rather than scientific methodology.

Understanding Human Relationships and Suffering

The Creation of Humanity

• The biblical account presents humanity as created in the image of God, with both man and woman being equal. This challenges historical patriarchal views that have distorted this equality.

The Nature of God's Relationship with Humanity

• Humans possess an inalienable value derived from being made in God's image, which establishes a foundational relationship intended to be one of love and companionship.

Consequences of Alienation from God

• When humans turn away from God, it leads to broken relationships—both personal and social—as well as a disconnection from nature, resulting in abuse rather than stewardship.

The Search for Lost Value

• Humanity's rejection of its inherent value leads to a lifelong search for meaning and fulfillment in places where it cannot be found.

Science and Faith: A Harmonious Relationship

• Contrary to popular belief, Christianity does not oppose science; instead, it encourages exploration and understanding of the world as part of God's creation.

The Role of Truth in Understanding God

Embracing All Forms of Truth

• Jesus embodies truth; therefore, all truths discovered through various disciplines ultimately lead us closer to God rather than distancing us from Him.

Addressing Suffering: A Personal Perspective

• In response to suffering, it's acknowledged that many struggle with mental health issues like depression. The speaker expresses empathy while admitting they do not have all the answers.

Exploring the Nature of Suffering

Rethinking Divine Permission

• Instead of asking why God allows suffering, consider that a world where suffering is possible may allow for genuine love and freedom among beings created by God.

Freedom as a Foundation for Love

• True love requires freedom; without the possibility of rejection or choice, love becomes coercive rather than authentic.

The Importance of Choice in Creation

• For humans to genuinely choose to walk with God or not reflects their free will—a necessary component for meaningful relationships.

Finding Meaning Amidst Suffering

Christ’s Response to Human Pain

• Throughout scripture, God's response to human suffering is not theoretical but deeply relational; He engages with our pain personally rather than offering abstract explanations.

Understanding Suffering Through the Lens of Biblical Theology

The Nature of God's Response to Suffering

• The speaker notes that the Bible does not provide philosophical answers to suffering, despite many characters questioning God about it. Instead, God's response is unique and personal.

• Unlike other religions or philosophies, the biblical God does not send messages regarding suffering; He becomes human to experience suffering alongside humanity.

Jesus' Empathy in Human Suffering

• A poignant example is given from the story of Lazarus, where Jesus weeps deeply at his friend's death, showcasing His emotional connection and empathy towards human suffering.

• The speaker describes Jesus' anxiety before His own death as so intense that He sweats blood, illustrating a profound identification with human pain.

Hope Amidst Suffering

• The Christian perspective emphasizes that God suffers with us rather than being indifferent. This relationship offers hope through resurrection and promises an end to suffering.

• The speaker reassures listeners that while suffering is real and painful, it has an expiration date; God promises companionship during these trials.

Seeking Help During Difficult Times

• It’s emphasized that individuals should seek help when experiencing depression or any form of distress. No one should endure their struggles alone; professional help is encouraged.

• Community support is also highlighted—friends, pastors, or even prayer can be vital resources for those in need.

Biblical Promises of Comfort

• A reference from Revelation illustrates God's promise to dwell among people and wipe away tears, emphasizing a close relationship between God and humanity in times of sorrow.

• An anecdote about Elijah shows how God provides practical help (rest and nourishment), indicating the importance of caring for physical health alongside spiritual needs.

Personal Reflections on Growth Through Pain

• The speaker reflects on personal growth through past sufferings, acknowledging that such experiences can lead to valuable lessons and deeper understanding over time.

• They stress the importance of seeking truth from God as a means to overcome lies and burdens accumulated throughout life.

This structured overview captures key insights into how biblical theology addresses suffering while encouraging community support and personal reflection.

The Power of Faith and Connection with God

The Ability to Overcome Depression

• The speaker emphasizes the belief that if God exists and created everything, He has the power to alleviate depression.

• Gratitude is expressed towards the audience for their presence and engagement, highlighting a sense of community.

Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

• Acknowledgment that not all questions can be answered during the session; resources are available on YouTube and Instagram for further exploration.

• The idea that the universe's fine-tuning suggests intentionality rather than randomness is presented as a thought-provoking concept.

Individual Spiritual Journeys

• Each person's approach to Jesus and God is unique due to individual histories; everyone is encouraged to explore their own path.

• In a post-pandemic world, many are questioning spirituality; the speaker asserts that faith in Jesus truly works in providing peace amidst life's challenges.

Personal Experiences of Divine Presence

• Real-life examples illustrate how faith can provide comfort during difficult times, such as facing disabilities or job loss.

• The invitation from Jesus to find rest in Him is highlighted as a genuine offer for those feeling burdened.

Reflection on Belief and Openness

• Pascal's quote about faith suggests there’s enough light for believers and shadows for non-believers; this serves as an introspective prompt.

• Two key words are proposed for meditation: attention (to God's communication in daily life) and disposition (opening oneself up to spiritual connection).

Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Engagement

• Attending to nature, people around you, and reading about Jesus are recommended ways to foster spiritual awareness.

• Emphasis on being loved by God encourages individuals to open their hearts and minds, reinforcing that divine love seeks personal connection.

Conclusion of Session

• Acknowledgment of unanswered questions indicates ongoing dialogue opportunities at universities; gratitude is reiterated towards attendees.

Introduction to the Event

Overview of the Gathering

• The event is aimed at fostering discussions among universities, with a notable venue being the Universidad Nacional.

• Acknowledgment of friends from the Cruz movement who will contribute to ongoing conversations.

Introduction to Cruz Movement

• Cruz is an international NGO present in over 190 countries, providing platforms for discussing life purpose, faith, and spirituality.

• Encouragement for university students from various campuses to engage and connect through social media and interest forms.

Personal Experiences Shared

Cristian's Story

• Cristian Castañeda, a fifth-semester electronic engineering student at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, shares his journey with Cruz over two years.

• Emphasis on community as a vital aspect of continuing conversations about faith and spirituality within university settings.

Importance of Community

• Discussion on how God desires connection among diverse individuals within communities rather than isolation.

• Highlighting that living without God raises questions about what it means to truly live; biblical narratives emphasize community engagement.

Addressing Societal Issues

Social Justice and Faith

• Recognition of visible voices advocating for social justice and addressing societal needs within university contexts.

• Cristian expresses excitement about connecting with others through shared missions that offer hope amidst despair in society.

Academic Integration with Faith

• The importance of maintaining academic rigor while exploring spiritual perspectives is emphasized as part of their mission.

Philosophical Insights

C.S. Lewis Quote

• A quote from C.S. Lewis highlights humanity's pursuit of knowledge stemming from a desire to connect with the Creator, emphasizing community over isolation in this quest for understanding.