Purpose
What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence
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Purpose
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Narrated by:
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Mike Lenz
About this listen
Generations have been taught that evolution implies there is no overarching purpose to our existence. Some scientists take this logic one step further, suggesting that evolution is intrinsically atheistic and goes against the concept of God.
But is this true?
By integrating emerging principles from a variety of scientific disciplines—ranging from evolutionary biology to psychology—Yale Professor Samuel Wilkinson provides a framework of evolution that implies not only that there is an overarching purpose to our existence, but what this purpose is.
Nature seems to have endowed us with competing dispositions, what Wilkinson calls the dual potential of human nature. When we couple this with the observation that we possess a measure of free will, all this strongly implies there is a universal purpose to our existence.
Our life is a test. From a certain framework, these aspects of human nature—including how evolution shaped us—are evidence for the existence of a God, not against it.
What is the meaning of life? Based on the scientific data, it would seem that one such meaning is to develop deep and abiding relationships. This is a function of our evolution.
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What listeners say about Purpose
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 03-17-25
Remarkably Well Written
I was expecting a book more focused on biological concepts in understanding evolution and their relationship to God and the creation. This book includes some that but it includes much more. Topics include biology, chemistry, physics, philosophy, sociology, psychology, behavioral science......did I get them all? There are quotes from great scientists and great thinkers from the past to the present. The ideas considered and discussed are complex but the writer presents things in an understandable fashion. When definitions are needed to help the reader understand some terms that may be unfamiliar the author gives clear definitions. This is a well written book with some great thought that went into it.
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