Paul Gauguin’s ‘paradise’
Just in the USA about 50,000 people died by suicide in 2025, many being youths. How incredibly sad is that!? No doubt prospects for youths and even adults was severely impacted by the Covid-19 virus and variants – just one cause for some to give up on life.
My point in addressing this tragic issue is somewhat related to John Milton’s epic poems; ‘from paradise lost to paradise regained’ * but not entirely…please read on;
No doubt the absence of hope is the root cause of many if not most suicides! Clearly then, what is needed is real hope for the future based on solid facts.
Where can we find such real hope in a world that consistently engenders economic greed; government corruption; destruction of the environment; crime and violence; and the list goes on!?
The promise of ‘a return to paradise’ is a main theme of scripture. And scripture has been proven to be just as reliable as the rising of the sun. How can this be said? To begin with most scripture is recorded history of God’s dealings with man. That being the case, it’s possible to compare the biblical record with the known facts of history. Does it meet that litmus test, indeed it does! In fact many times the previously doubted Bible record has been proven correct when new archaeological and/or other factual historical evidence comes to light.
Indeed scriptures have shamed critics and proven to be accurate beyond any contradiction time and again, including references to known science; for one example the Psalmist said ‘his makeup was written down in a book before he was born’! ** A perfectly clear reference to only recently known DNA! And again, the scriptures refer to the ‘circle of the earth hanging on nothing‘, *** a fact we have only visually confirmed in recent times! But these words were written thousands of years before science confirmed them. Obviously the Bible was ‘inspired’ by the one who created these wonders we have only begun to appreciate!
The answer my friends is ‘written on the wind’, in a manor of speaking. The rotten conditions that exist on our beautiful planet are not in keeping with its purpose at all. **** Little wonder so many people feel hopeless. We naturally and rightly wish for a better world, a united world of mankind living in peace and security with plenty for all! And that is exactly what is promised for those who exercise faith in our Creator’s promise to regain paradise lost!
‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away,’…. ‘And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away’…. ‘And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.’….’Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.'(see Revelation 21:1-5)
For more information on John Milton’s poems:
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise_Lost
** Psalm 139:16 *** Isaiah 40:22
**** “For too long, we have been waging a senseless and suicidal war on nature. The result is three interlinked environmental crises: climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution that threaten our viability as a species.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Please also visit post: Our Creators’ Art!
Is it possible for our puny human brain to actually be in touch with the Creator of all things? Arguably its a question philosophers and thoughtful people have struggled with since the beginning of written history.
For instance speaking of human history, year after year archeological discoveries confirm entire ancient civilizations now being uncovered in South America and elsewhere were ‘primarily’ based on worship of an all powerful god in one form or another!
In truth its simply no exaggeration to say there is an innate desire in all humanity to communicate with a supreme Creator! And with limited knowledge, many societies have conferred this desire on objects of wood, stone, or the stars, in the vain hope they would be heard and benefit therefrom.
Is so-called ‘modern man’ really so different? Or is technology filling that very same role today? Its a fair question considering how much focus of attention is given to it in all its material forms, from smart phones to orbiting satellites.
Of course its obvious to thinking people a far, far, superior entity does exist, which some refer to an unidentifiable ‘first cause’ of all life on earth. Yet ever more true science clearly points to a life-giving Creator of all genetic forms. Generations of observant mankind observe abundant visible evidence of this.*
Indeed this belief is also backed up by inspired ‘prophetic scriptures’ that provide positive reinforcement of that evidence, in spades! For just one example about 300 specific Bible prophecies describing the life of Jesus hundreds of years earlier were completely fulfilled down to the letter!
Can it therefore be said there is solid evidence to base real hope and belief on other than lifeless wood or stone; effigies; icons; paintings; and, yes, technology, but rather on an invisible all-wise and loving spiritual God who cares for us!
Albert Einstein epithet; “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” [Science, Philosophy and Religion]
In fact scientific confirmation is being added every day, consider this….and keep in mind this was written thousands of years before DNA confirmed it;
“Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.“ (Psalm 139:16 NWT Bible) Hebrew a scripture written by King David.
Another example; “He (God) stretches out the northern sky over empty space, Suspending the earth upon nothing” (Job26:7 NWT Bible) Again, recorded scripture written thousands of years before space travel confirmed this fact, during a time when most of mankind believed the earth stood on on the back of a turtle or an elephant or had some other ignorant idea!
These are just a couple of examples of the accuracy and authenticity of inspired holy Bible. As if simple observation of all life and newly understood ecological systems on planet earth were not enough in and of themselves!
Furthermore, he has promised to restore this sadly damaged planet to its optimal condition, including all mankind….
“….he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” (Revelation21:3-5)
“He is the Maker of the earth by his power, The One who established the productive land by his wisdom And who stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” (Jeremiah51:15)
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Please visit my posting: “From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained!?
