Shocked by Surprise

An Honest Worldview

In 1882, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “God is dead… And we have killed him.” From this thesis, Nietzsche advocated for a complete rejection of all morality that originated from any outside source, especially from this “dead” God. If God is dead, then to follow his rules is nonsense. If God is dead, then every man can be a god unto himself. Every person must reach within himself alone to order his way, master his will, and pursue his desires as far as possible. The man doesn’t need just will-power, he needs the will-to-power. He must strive to dominate and achieve all. The man who accomplishes this is the Übermensch, the Superman.

Nietzsche’s writings have been around for over 100 years, and although he had a greater influence in Europe, the ideas of Nietzsche have become more and more popular in our “post-God” society. I appreciate that Nietzsche is not afraid to be honest with his worldview. If there is no God, then there is no reason to follow rules set in place by any particular deity. If there is no Lawgiver, then there is no law. And if there is no one to whom we are accountable, then we are free to pursue our own passions without consequence. The moral standard is destroyed, and there is neither good nor evil, right nor wrong.

I respect Nietzsche for taking his worldview to its logical conclusion. Most atheists will deny God and His standards while still trying to enforce a moral code of sorts. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make sense if there is no standard. What is the foundation of morality? Is it society? Is it morally acceptable to kill and rape women if your society says that it is ok? Do individuals set the bedrock for morality? I think that we all know that each individual setting their own moral standards would lead to constant chaos and conflict.. And if each person sets their own moral standard, then how can we speak of injustice? If every man is right, then no one can be wrong. Pedophiles can be praised since they have set their own standard and achieved it. What a terrifying world. And when atheists agree with what I’m saying, they prove that they are not really committed to the “godless” position. Nietzsche was at least honest with his atheism.

This is the mindset that has pervaded the world. “No God = No Standard. Morals are subjective, and truth is fluid. Run after your passions, follow your heart, and live for yourself. There is no eternity, so live for this life now.” Listen to the comedians, the musicians, and the politicians. Watch the movies and the tv shows. What is celebrated? Individualism. Revenge. Misogyny. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. Pride. Lust.

And then… Scandal!

Lies, deceit, racism, murder. The news is full of it. There are riots. People are shocked and appalled. Marches are organized, and people are screaming at the sky. There is outrage at the injustice. And I am shocked by the surprise.

What was to be expected? Hasn’t anyone seen this coming? In a world where truth is fluid, how can we be surprised at the rise of misinformation? When morality is determined by the individual, and sex and lust are glorified, how is it that men acting on sexual urges is a shock? When Mike Pence is mocked for setting up safeguards against sexual opportunities, why be surprised when people let their guard down? Racism runs rampant. But why the surprise?

And even more, why the outrage? In a society that says, “You can do whatever you want. No one can tell you what to do. You are the center of all things,” why be outraged when people live up to that standard? Where is the basis for the outrage? Human dignity? Where did that dignity come from? How can humans have any value whatsoever? It can be said that humans have value, but in a godless society, the foundation for that idea crumbles. We came from nothing, and we go to nothing.

Yet

There is another way. Actually, there is THE way. I, too, am outraged by misinformation and sexual harassment. I hate racism and murder. Drug abuse and suicide break my heart. But I am not surprised by it. And I know why it is an outrage. I know why it MUST be an outrage. I know a God who also is not surprised by it, and who is infinitely more outraged by it.

The God of the Bible says, “You shall not bear false witness.” God hates misinformation. God is the God of Truth (Isaiah 65:16). Our God says, “You shall not commit adultery,” and “you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife” (Exodus 20:14,17). God hates misogyny and sexual harassment. God loves sexual purity. God created men and women in his own image, giving them value and dignity. God hates racism. He is a God who glories in uniting and reconciling people from every tribe, nation, tongue, and people (Revelation 5:9). God says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and “be sober minded” (1 Peter 5:8) and “do not get drunk with wine” (Eph 5:18). God hates suicide, murder, alcoholism, and drug overdoses. He loves a sound mind and a life that finds its value in him.

And while God hates these things, he has done more than hate sin. He has loved this broken world. God sent his Son into this world to experience this brokenness as a man. He was tempted, oppressed, despised, and rejected. He was murdered on a cross outside of Jerusalem. He became the sin that would rightly condemn us before a holy God, and he took the punishment that we deserved. He rose from the dead after three days and confirmed all of the promises of God. God has now promised that whoever believes in the Son has everlasting life. This is the Christian hope.

The Christian worldview is one that enjoys consonance between action and reason. The Christian loves truth, and the biblical worldview confirms that. The Christian hates racism, and the biblical worldview confirms that. The Christian hates sexual immorality, murder, and injustice of every kind, and the biblical worldview confirms that. The Christian is not surprised by the brokenness of the world, but the Christian rightly laments at the brokenness of the world. The Christian knows the hopelessness of this life, and looks forward to the life to come.

I am shocked at the surprise. Our world is experiencing the fruit of rejecting God and his standard. I hope that the world sees the absolute insanity that this godless worldview produces, and the inconsistency of thought that is required to express outrage at injustice and evil. The God of the Bible loves justice and all that is good, and hates injustice and evil. The Christian is outraged by injustice and has a worldview that affirms this outrage. For Christians, we should never be ashamed to agree with God. For non-Christians, you should never be ashamed to walk in wisdom.

©Jacob Crouch 2023

This post was reworked from the very first post that I ever shared publicly in 2021.