Re: Questions from reading 1 Peter

Dear Tom,
I find your question intriguing though a bit confusing. Are you trying to compare the world's view of christianity as opposed to christianity's view of the world? It is hard to answer questions fully when premise and context are vague. Perhaps you can clarify that for us.
Second, Christianity does not seek to have a "view of the world", but rather a view of the spiritual condition of mankind.
If its proponents often do not reflect that, it must not be charged up to the originator. However, in answering that particular question, it would be difficult to be restricted to just one book of scripture. The whole body of scripture is necessary in order to arrive at an accurate and balanced answer to a question, but reliying on just one verse or book is often the very reason for the birth of cults and sects.
Given these limitations, I'll give you my best shot. I hope someone else will come along who'll want to do better:

1)What is the Greatest?
There is no "what", only Who", and that would be God, by whatever Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic or modern language translation you want to adress Him.

2)What is the world like?
When referring to "world", the Bible is not for the most part seeking to describe people in individual countries, cultures, etc. In that sense, believers are supposed to live by the established laws as long as they don't directly oppose God's laws. In that, you would have an answer in 1 Peter 2:13-17

3)What are human beings?
God created the world and everything in it. Humans are a part of that, but God's most cherished part.

4)What happens to us at death?
This depends on the choice you've made while living.

5)How can we know anything?
Anything is of course an extremely broad term. 'Know' as in using our intellect and reasoning to learn about physical things on earth, or the spiritual world around us? In matters of spirituality, as well as daily conduct, the whole body of scripture is our guideline.

6)How can we know right and wrong?
Same as above.

7)What is the point of human history?
I guess that's much like 'what is the point of having children who will grow up?' Man was created to have communication and relationship with God. To reconnect that lost relationship Jesus Christ gave His life in place of ours. Recognizing that fact fully accomplishes that. Everyone is invited to this with no exemptions. Whatever the world has been doing and continues to do is the process in between, and its importance, is not germaine to the spiritual condition/ renewal of mankind. Christianity deals with only one kind of exclusivity, you and God.

I don't know if I've said anything that answers your questions, but then this is Saturday morning and I haven't even had my hot cup of green tea yet! :-P



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