Sinner, Heal Thyself (Week 4 Post 6)

In Nietzsche's estimation we have killed God. He considered the death of God tohave occurred when "we" destroyed the foundation for human goodness, truth andbeauty. Long ago, a crutch was offered to humanity to ease our understanding ofthings previously unknown or incomprehensible. That crutch was God. The problemis, as more has become knowable and man begins to realize that there is no surefoundation, no God to command or reward us, no ultimate purpose-that we have tomake our own decisions and live with the consequences of them, a sense of panicemerges. People tend to prefer the world of their illusions. They are morecomfortable with their pretend games about God as the foundation for politicaland moral decisions. It makes it easier for them to sleep at night when they cantransfer the burden to someone else.Nietzsche's critique of religion stems from his belief that religion as it isis ugly and distorted with a self denying morality. The death of God then, isthe key to salvation since after that salvation has to become an act of humanwill rather than relying on the grace and mercy of God. We have to relinquishthe idea of destiny being handed to us by God and take responsibility forourselves and our way in the world.