This is an email correspondence with one of my former writing students, which I believed worthy of sharing. The real name of the student has been replaced with a fictitious name A.
Dear, A, what a treat to have received this letter from you! I am so honored to have been a positive influence in your life. Your mother and I never really spoke much, but we knew each other. I feel the same way about you because you used to write like I would write and ask the same questions that I once asked at your age. I ditched almost half of my high school Junior and Senior classes because I was sitting on top of the largest rock at Venice Beech, California staring at the ocean and sky, contemplating on the same questions you hunger for. I know you have burning desire for finding the truth in all things.
–
Let me attempt to alleviate some of your doubts by quoting French philosopher, Descartes, who said, “I think, therefore I am.” A you think, therefore it proves that there is God. Let me explain. Descartes believed that we human beings are or at least have the potential to be Gods because we have the ability to “think.” Our mental faculty is the first step in getting rid of existential doubts because it demonstrates human’s attainability of certain knowledge. For example, even if an all-powerful demon was to try to deceive A into thinking that God does not exist, A must first exist in order to be deceived. You are a thinking being. Therefore, whenever you think, it proves your existence, and by extension, someone who has the ability to think must have created you as well.
–
You might now say, well my existence still doesn’t exactly prove God’s existence. In fact, my existence could have been a “random” thing, like the “the big bang” theory that scientists believe. This theory asserts that the universe originated approximately 20 billion years ago from the violent explosion by going through the process of agglomeration – a process in which small universal particles grow into huge masses then hitting each other. But if you study the the exact scientific preconditions required for this “big bang” to occur and if you realize that its probability is mathematically less than zero, one can certainly argue that unlike “the Big Bang theory” which is almost solely based on scientific randomness, “intelligent design theory” (belief that God created humans and this earth for a purpose) is rather a logical belief through a process of deduction using our mental faculty. The fact that A could not have existed without a father and mother, and also that so much about who you are today is a direct result of and a combination of the DNAs of your creators (your mom & dad) is a proof that the “preconditions of intelligent life” is another intelligent life that bore it, another intelligent being that existed before A. There is no way, that someone like you or me was a product of random chance. Each of us are too special, too unique, and beautiful to be called random products.
–
If you don’t believe human beings are amazing, ask any doctor about the biological make-up of our body. Consider our exquisite eye construction, the hard skeleton that supports our weight, our ability to hear the faintest sound, our brain’s amazing circuitry. Think of our body as a large symphony of Mozart or Beethoven. It begins by being inspired to create a music which is not tangible, then putting it into notes that are tangible, then each individual playing his precise note and part at the precise time designated. This is how creation is made: must follow the intelligent, purposeful steps. This is also much like how our body operates with its 11 systems working in concert with its director, our brain, the intelligent faculty. Sadly, many so called the scientist who should base their arguments on facts preach things that are based on “random chance,” that human body is the result of “millions of years” of Darwinian evolution. Only a believer who has labored with questions like you and have reached a conclusion like me will give some credit to the One who must have created these amazing systems designed to work as one. A, I testify that the human body is a testament to our Creator’s wonderful intellect!
–
You don’t need to search far to know that God exist. Just look at yourself. All answers can be found from within. You are the answer to your question. I don’t know whether this helps, but I do appreciate the opportunity to share my insights with you. Remember, that someone who had to be more intelligent than you must have allowed your temporary and transient existence on this earth; I say temporary because we all die at some point. Our time on earth is timed and counted – another testament to intelligent design.
–
Thank you for sharing your life in in the U.S. I can feel every word you say. At the same time, I also know that you will overcome all obstacles by what you call “showing” rather than “saying.” Action indeed speaks louder than words. I am so happy that you made it to the varsity track team. Being second among the African Americans meant you were the best, if you think of their physical advantages. In my mind, you are the best, and you know you are also the hero to my son, B, which was a pure surprise to me when I found out later. I guess my son and I, sharing the same genes, are attracted to and appreciate the same type of people – you.
–
My small Taipei Debate Academy that I have basically started by teaching free a few kids have now become an enterprise, the Asian Debate League with growing employees (champion coaches from the U.S.), clients (12 international and local schools in Taiwan), and partners (Stanford and Harvard University Debate societies to name a few). And my small testimony to this evolution of my business is that I was “inspired by my prayer with God,” and all I did was to execute my inspiration into action using my mental faculty, which I have inherited from my intelligent Maker.
–
Once again, A, thank you for your updates, and take good care of yourself and your mother and your sister. Please say hello to your mom, my good friend and someone I deeply appreciate and love. I will always have time for you and your family, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you may have that I can help with.
–
Best,
Jessie S. Chen, CEO Of
From: A
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2012 7:44 AM
Subject:
Dear Ms Chen,
It has been too long since our last conversation! I hope you had spent your Christmas wonderfully. I often recall all the memories and lessons I was able to experience and learn from the small class we had together. I really miss it. It has already been 6 months since I arrived in America, but my longing for returning to Taiwan hasn’t changed a bit; I don’t think it ever will. I have been slowly adjusting to the new culture. I should be used to moving by now since my family has had moved around countless amount of times, but it’s different and difficult every time. It’s crazy to think about how all the things you have told us about your life in America were just lessons half a year ago, and now they are my reality. I can always sense racism here, whether it is silent or loud. Especially in sports, my friends have always reminded me of how Asians stand no chance against naturally talent athletes here in America, but I managed to make varsity in Track and place 2nd in 200m among more than 70 sprinters around New York and New Jersey. At the finals, there were 7 African-Americans and one Asian, which was myself. I sometimes feel the limit of words, and how there is only so much I can prove with what I say, therefore I show. I think showing is one of the best solutions to anything, and it encourages me to do work harder.
–
One of the things that consume the majority of my time is fortunately school work. I have always valued self-education and thinking, but was never too into the works from school. However, I matured fast enough to realize the importance of school. Also, I joined philosophy club, but I feel like high school students’ philosophical mind-state can only reach to a certain point; it’s quite disappointing. I want to become the president of club in my senior year and expand it’s field of topics. One thing I like about moving is that I am free to build myself anyway I like because the people here do not know my past. I feel no insecurity or hesitation in representing myself anyway I want.
–
The biggest thing that has been surrounding my mind lately is religion. I have been trying to discover God somewhere inside me, but it doesn’t seem so easy. I am amazed how people can have so much faith in something so unprovable, and appreciate and have hope in everything in their life through that faith. I think all happiness comes from appreciation. Yesterday, I was talking to my mother’s closest friend, who is a first-generation Christian. She found her own ways to God. She told me that humans usually understand, then believe, but religion is where you believe, then understand. I think she is absolutely right. There is only so much I can understand about religion and the words of God without truly and completely believing it. I hope someday I can have enough courage to completely soak myself with the same faith she has on God.
–
Anyways, all the selfish talking aside, how has your life been? I am fascinated to hear about your life and wisdom. Please update me!
–
Sincerely,
A
JC's Mental Portal 