by Daniel Sisk

Created on: November 25, 2008

The fact that man exists to invent precludes the invention of God by man. The natural world provides the best evidence. Referred to simply as Nature, the world around us, curiously, has been given a godlike persona even by atheists. We came to this logically after millennia of observing the balance and order imposed on life sharing Earth with us. This seemingly omnipotent entity had fashioned the food chain that sustained the smallest and largest creatures. This same entity provided instinctive drivers that impelled animals and plants to survive and procreate. And, incredibly, this same entity somehow restored or reinvented life after cataclysmic perturbations like volcanic eruptions, ice ages, and even meteorites. After each catastrophe, Nature restored balance and interdependency when all seemed lost. What power could be greater?

Unfortunately, Nature seems to have made a monumental mistake - it created man. After over four billion years of balance and order, Nature devised (or allowed) a being capable of permanently upsetting and even destroying Nature itself. How could this be? Or more importantly, why? Why create creatures able to extract, combine, and burn materials better left locked in the earth than spewed out as poison? Why nurture a being that tinkers with the energy of stars on a lowly planet seemingly unable to safely contain or dilute the toxic waste? Why permit one species to dominate and consume others to extinction while overpopulating the Earth without any natural predator but itself? Too many questions can't be answered. Perhaps Nature is no god at all. Or perhaps Nature is not in charge.

In fact, the inventive mind of man unravels the argument against God. No other creature on Earth exhibits our level of curiosity, intellect, and industry. One may counter that many primates demonstrate innovation through the use of tools and other practices. However, primates have remained dependent on natural forces, being incapable of developing clothing or other sophisticated shelter necessary for adapting to dramatic changes. And though primates demonstrate surprising social traits, these pale in comparison to humans. For example, a monkey colony may show care for each other or their wounded. Yet, ultimately, a handicapped member's contribution remains minimal and their survival doubtful without effective motor skills. In contrast, humans have realized that, given support, even the most physically challenged individuals can make significant contributions. Helen Keller and Dr. Steven Hawking are famous examples, though there are countless others. In fact, any disabled creature stands little chance in the wild; Nature seems to resist their survival. Yet, humans are especially adept at surviving and prospering. All because of the fantastic - and unnatural - human brain.

Most religions, regardless of culture, point to a higher power or powers. An innate tendency to believe seems to exist, as if implanted from the beginning. In fact, humans seem exceptionally restless and incomplete. It seems odd Nature would leave such a void in this one creature. At the least, humans, with their unfathomable minds, arose unexpected into an ordered world and announced themselves like pebbles in the machinery. And from the natural world came an inconsistent being - man. We need only ask, why?

Learn more about this author, Daniel Sisk.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.