The Wisdom of Life by R. E. Smith

 Each life is Sacred

Our lives are made up of countless experiences and like all living things, we pass through various stages of growth and development. Many scholars and medical practitioners argue over the exact moment when life begins. Though this is important it may not be the easiest thing to argue because it is subjected to countless opinions and views. Nonetheless, let us examine a few perspectives put forward by individuals and religions about life and when it truly begins.

What is Life? 

Life is often referred to as the essence of our being that innermost part that makes up our state of consciousness. It takes into account our spiritual, physical, and emotional development. These are the qualities that separate us from other species and this is what it means to be human. Our ability to think, reason, and solve complex problems sets us apart from all other life forms. This ability is referred to as knowledge, understanding, and emotional intelligence.

When does Life begin?

It is frequently said that life begins at the moment of conception and once we are conceived then the gift of life is given and it must be nurtured and cared for throughout the period of childhood. Many biologists agree that human babes take around nine months to grow and develop before it is ready to be born. Additionally, they highlight the fact that after conception it takes two weeks for the implementation process to take place. This is where the controversy develops because it becomes difficult to argue when life truly begins. Nonetheless, multiple religions view life as sacred and a gift from God and it must be cherished and preserved regardless of when it begins. It is, therefore, our responsibility to ensure that we create an atmosphere that is stimulating and welcoming for life to develop and flourish and this cannot be done without wisdom.

What is Wisdom? 

Wisdom is often referred to as the ability to use experience, intelligence, and moral principles what is right or wrong. Wisdom should not be confused with knowledge because though they work together they are two separate schools of thought. knowledge is the state of having information or understanding about the various matters while wisdom is the practical and logical application of said knowledge. Therefore to understand the truths about life we must apply the knowledge that we possess about this unique quality in a logical and practical way.

Preparation for Life

Preparing for life is an incredulous journey and one must be fully prepared to take on this journey. Consequently, there are various aspects of readiness that one must be made aware of before and during this stage of life so that adequate preparations can be made. The truth is not everyone will walk this journey however we all must play a role in shaping the lives that are in our care. Most religions and scholars have come to terms with the fact that the ideal environment to raise a child is within the confines of marriage the nuclear family. However, there are multiple alternatives that will serve the same purpose by providing a well-needed home for future generations.

Aspects of Readiness

• Financial Readiness- One must ensure that they are in a state of financial stability so that they are able to provide for the basic needs that new life demands.

• Emotional Readiness- One most ensure that emotionally they are making a logical decision to bring life into this world also they must be ready for the challenge ahead because during this process emotional stress and anxiety is inevitable.

• Adequate housing accommodation - One must ensure that they have a suitable living facility to ensure that this new life will be comfortable and well protected.

• Eduction- One must ensure that they have reasonable knowledge relating to childbirth child-rearing and child care and protection. This knowledge will result in an understanding of proper nutrition, diet, stress management, and techniques needed for dealing with emotional anxiety and stress. This is a key aspect of readiness and most be taken seriously.

• Loving relationship- The final aspect of readiness and most important is a stable relationship. It is this aspect of readiness that will assist in shaping the personality and characteristics of this new life regardless of the social background or financial status. It is this aspect of readiness that will see two imperfect beings coming together to care for and nurture new life to take on the challenges of our ever-changing world.

Religious views on Life

The four major religions all acknowledge that life is given by God or a deity. The supernatural entity that is all-powerful, all-seeing, and all-knowing. Though they are all in agreement there understanding an application of said knowledge sometimes varies from the base of religion groups, sects, or denominations. Let us outline the perspective of these religions.

• Hinduism - Hindus believe that life is sacred and all form of life is a gift from God and it must be protected and preserved. This is emphasized through their teachings of the non-violence principles of the Ahimsa. They also emphasized the point that life does not begin at conception but rather life is from before and that when the Atman which is the soul joins with matter it is simply a manifestation in human form (Avatar) as the Atman travels through various life forms. This is highlighted in their teachings of reincarnation. Therefore their idea is that life was, is, and always will be because it is the essence of ultimate reality.

• Islam- The Muslim view is very straight forward and simple they believe that life is sacred and because of this only God (Allah) can give life and take it away. Therefore they are firmly against teachings relating to euthanasia and abortion. They believe that life begins when it is sanction and all efforts must be made to preserve this life.

• Judaism- The first of the Abrahamic religion. Jews believe that all life is sacred regardless of when life begins. They believe that all life belongs to God (Yahweh) and should be protected. God is the creator, sustainer, and giver life. All efforts should be made to live life to the fullest with meaning and purpose. It is because of this belief that some Jews view the practice of medical science to be beneficial to saving one's life and welcome its use and alternative methods of bringing life into the world such as Surrogacy and Invitro Fertilisation. However, they are firmly against acts of idolatry, adultery, murder, and incest.

• Christianity- The second of the Abrahamic religion with a central focus on the Life, Ministry, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity is probably the religion with the most controversial views on life and how the sacredness of this life should be preserved. The book of Jeremiah states " I know you even before you were born and only in your mother's womb". The debates continue to rage on throughout the ages as to exactly when does life begins. The common ground is the belief that all life is sacred and that it is a gift from God. Therefore teachings of murder are strictly forbidden. It also opens the door to the idea of salvation that eternal life can be granted through the belief and practice of the principles given by Christ.

Common Ground

Regardless of the various teachings surrounding the sanctity of life and the wisdom of applying the little we know about it. It leads us to one specific fact that all life is sacred and is a gift that must be cherished and preserved. Our lives are unique and we all came into this world for a purpose therefore we must make use of the opportunities. It is also our responsibility to guide others along this spiritual plain to understand the unique nature of life. Our journey will take us far and wide and it is only through helping others will some of us truly understand our purpose here in life. For what is life without a reason for living? https://epitomeofgrace2020.blogspot.com/2020/05/you-are-child-of-purpose.html?m=1

Every so often I hear people referring to the fact that they are living their best life but yet still there is no room for religion. How can we live life to the fullest if the essence of what makes life is omitted from our daily lives? Life is full of possibilities and many strive to attain the successes of life but the ultimate success that must be had is the preservation of our true self. Say what you may about religious views and teachings. The most common teachings that exist throughout all the major religion is the teaching of life after death and the fact that we will all face the Judgement in the latter days. Therefore our quest as stewards, vice-regent, and trustees is to ensure that our journey is to ultimately save and extend our lives beyond the realm of the mortals because " Knowledge and wisdom are key ingredients in immortalizing mundanes. R. Smith 2020".
https://contemporaryphilosophies.blogspot.com/2020/04/wise-tales.html?m=1

Remember regardless of your religious creed or denomination life is sacred and it must be preserve and protected to ensure the legacy of the human race.

Thank you for reading.