Research Paper – The Road of Light

The Road of Light

Javier Lam

International Christian School

Life is like a road. On the road, there are numerous items: Love, joy, friendship, wisdom, and respect. However, everyone is made out of money, fame, pride, sin, and greed. To find meaning, one must eliminate all of those negative traits, and walk on the road of light. The road of light is created with the glistening gems of sociable traits, acceptance of knowledge, and a religious mindset, therefore walking on it helps one find meaning of life.

Socializing comes in different ways, but one type of social tool is actually pretty counter intuitive to its name: Social media. Because some people predict that social media can cause isolation, social awkwardness, and useless communicators, they are scared that social connections could become a huge issue in the future. In order for social media to enhance one’s relationships with others, he or she must be able to “get out from behind your computer every now and then and enjoy the pleasures of other people’s company” (Sharp, Tim, 2012). However, Tim Sharp also argued that social media can strengthen relationships, especially between close friends. But to develop close friends, one must break the invisible barrier of dependence on social media and take the step to appreciate others, and c the social traits that everyone has been given.

Since being sociable is such a huge deal in today’s society, people must adapt and change. According to an unknown contributor for Marketing to Women, a reason why women start becoming much more successful in today’s society is due to their change in sociable traits (Woman Change, Men Stay the Same, 2001). Their “‘negative’ qualities traditionally associated with femininity” have decreased, like “indirect methods of influencing others”, and have changed into a highly effective way of talking to others (Woman Change, Men Stay the Same, 2001). They have also developed a strong listening value – which is “more than an art of habit… one we need to work hard to develop” (Millard, 2015) People who have changed to becoming much more sociable have found gems on the road of light, developing confidence and courage on the way.

Although being sociable opens a realm to obtain knowledge through in-depth conversations, being able to accept knowledge is also vital to walking on the path of life. To accept knowledge, a person must know what is true knowledge. According to Professor Ben Carson, people don’t need to know as much knowledge because everyone has cell phones (A Duty to Become Well-Informed, 2013). However, we still need to determine the true and the false knowledge, and according to Bill Millard, there are a handful of ways to find knowledge, such as through physics or other fields of science (34). The most direct way of finding true knowledge is through observing. Albert Einstein stated in his book Relativity, “The carriage is in motion relative to the embankment; The embankment is in motion relative to the carriage” (2005). This is true, because if an object A is ten meters away from object B, object B is also ten meters away from object A. This is true, because everything is relative to each other, and it is observable in daily life. Accepting knowledge and filtering out the uncertainties, such as examples above, helps guide one onto the path of life.

Another way to true knowledge is through proving theories. How can someone prove that Newton’s Laws and theories are true? Sometimes, these theories can be proven through calculation, but some of them cannot be proven by sheer human intelligence. On the other hand, accepting the knowledge means the acceptance of physical reality and the acceptance of assumptions by faith, according to Owen Gingerich (Faith and the Laws of Nature, 2008). Acquiring and accepting knowledge challenges one’s faith, but it simultaneously helps develop a mindset that helps determine truth on the road of light.

However, accepting truth is not enough, because one must put his or her faith and belief in it. “Is it more reasonable to believe we were created by sheer luck of time plus chance for no reason?” Don Veinot questioned himself (Former Atheist to Share Thoughts on Questioning Faith, 2005). A large group of scientists, which are atheists, believe this to be true. However, according to Wayne Anderson, “Science will not replace religion” (2001). Instead, he claims that science is the basis to any religion. In Life Calling: Living Your Life with the Power of Purpose, Bill Millard concluded that many science experiments have proved an intentional pattern created by a God, and contradict the theories created by Atheists (34-38). Because even science proves that there is a God, there is no reason why people still do not have a belief. But, believing in a religion has a lot to offer. In the Bible, Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (NIV). Psychologist Steven Pinker argued that a belief and practice in a religion gives comfort, outlines a set of moral values, and brings a community together (The Evolutionary Psychology of Religion, 2006). Although believing in a religion does not give everything anyone wants, it does give comfort and love on the road of light.

Although the road of light is paved with gems, no one would be able to walk on it unless one is sociable, acquires knowledge, and has a religious mindset. Because the road of light contains valuable traits of comfort, love, truthfulness, faith, confidence, and courage, placing these traits in the heart will give guidance. Without experiencing on the road of light, one will simply find himself or herself vulnerable to temptation and away from their true meaning of life. (949 words)

Works Cited

Anderson, Wayne. “Why Should People Choose Science over Religion?” Free Inquiry, vol. 21, no. 4, Fall 2001. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-79382243/why-should-people-choose-science-over-religion.

“A Duty to Become Well-Informed; Smart Application of Knowledge Isn’t Just for Cellphones.” The Washington Times (Washington, DC), June 6 Nov. 2013. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-348315378/a-duty-to-become-well-informed-smart-application.

Einstein, Albert. Relativity: The Special and General Theory. New York, Pi Press, 2005.

“Facebook: Evil or Aid? Many Find Life Online Good for Their Social Connections.” Coffs Coast Advocate (Coffs Harbour, Australia), June 6 Oct. 2012. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-304404327/facebook-evil-or-aid-many-find-life-online-good.

Gingerich, Owen. “Faith and the Laws of Nature.” Science & Spirit, vol. 19, no. 2, March-April 2008, p. 66. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-176775843/faith-and-the-laws-of-nature.

Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan, 2005.

“Jesus Shows Us Meaning of Life.” The Washington Times (Washington, DC), 20 Mar. 2006. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-143448946/jesus-shows-us-meaning-of-life.

Millard, Bill. Chapter 1-4. Life Calling – Living Your Life with the Power of Purpose. Marion, Indiana: Alban Willis Millard Jr., 2015. Print.

Pierce, Victoria. “Former Atheist to Share Thoughts on Questioning Faith.” Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), June 6 Aug. 2005. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-134933615/former-atheist-to-share-thoughts-on-questioning-faith.

Pinker, Steven. “The Evolutionary Psychology of Religion.” The Humanist, vol. 66, no. 5, September-October 2006, pp. 10+. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-151548842/the-evolutionary-psychology-of-religion.

“Women Change, Men Stay the Same.” Marketing to Women: Addressing Women and Women’s Sensibilities, vol. 14, no. 5, May 2001. Questia School, questiaschool.com/read/1G1-75213560/women-change-men-stay-the-same.