Why Are We Here? Can We Actually Know? And If So, What Do We Do Once We Know?

Have you ever stood under a starry sky at night — or had a moment of expanded awareness — and suddenly wondered:

Why am I here? Why is this world here? Why is there something rather than nothing?

These are profound questions.

So… what are the options?

There are really only two options:

[ONE] We — and the universe we live in — were intentionally created.

[TWO] We — and the universe we live in — were not intentionally created, and there is a purely non-spiritual explanation for our existence.

These are often called Creationism and Materialism.
The first claims intentional creation by a Creator.
The second holds that everything arises without intention or specific purpose from physical laws.

The goal of this series is to explore both options honestly, carefully, and respectfully.

The goal is to present each side’s strongest case so we can arrive at a rational, well-grounded conclusion.

Three Rules for This Journey

To do this well, we will hold both sides to three simple rules — so that each position is presented clearly, fairly, and honestly.

1. Let’s Be Honest About Our Biases

Most people bring their emotional and psychological hopes or fears to this loaded topic — whether they realise it or not.

For many, one option feels more comfortable than the other.

For example:

If Option One is true — that the world was intentionally created — many people may find that deeply meaningful. It offers a larger purpose and meaning. Some may strongly want Option One to be true, which can lead to overlooking or misrepresenting evidence.

For others, the thought of intentional creation may be incredible unpleasant. It may feel limiting. It may threaten independence, ego, or the desire to “do whatever I want” without higher accountability or consequences. 

We all bring our emotional “stuff” into this discussion.

That’s normal.

But if we are serious about seeking truth, then for the duration of this series, let’s try to notice our biases — and not let them quietly run the show.

Let’s give truth our best shot.

2. No Preferential Treatment

The stakes here are enormous. Neither option should automatically be assumed to be the correct option before its supporting evidence has been presented and analysed.  

This is the normal way that people approach important decisions. 

For example, if one expert says, “This medicine will save your life,” and another says, “This medicine will harm you. It may kill you.” a rational person wouldn’t just take a guess, assuming they value their life! They would investigate, research, weigh evidence, talk to whomever they think would be helpful to talk to and only then would they make a decision.

This is how we approach decisions regarding health, safety, finances and so many different major life choices. It makes sense to apply the same standard here. 

So, the claim that the universe was intentionally created requires evidence. The claim that there is a purely non-spiritual explanation for our existence should also require evidence. Neither position should be granted legitimacy or the assumption of truth before it has been earned.

3. No Misrepresentation — On Either Side

In serious discussions, there is something called a straw man. A straw man is when one presents the other side’s position in an unfair, flawed, weak way so it’s easy to knock down.

A steel man is the opposite. One presents the other side in its strongest possible form.

We are aiming for steel men — not straw men.

That means: No cherry-picking, meaning intentionally choosing only the facts, examples, or evidence that support one side —  and ignoring the facts that don’t.

The goal is simple: clarity and truth.

As they say in court:

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The goal being to see if there is a “so help me God” at the end ?.

A Gentle Reminder

If you feel uncomfortable with Rule 2 or Rule 3…

Please reread Rule 1. Something may be happening there. 

Please share your thoughts

If you’re comfortable with these rules, then let’s begin this exploration. And please — if you think something is wrong, incomplete, or misrepresented — please point it out!

There is a comments section below and a contact form on this site.

One of the great advantages of online writing is that mistakes can be corrected.

Our commitment is to honesty.

O.K. See you in the first article.

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