Philosophy of Humanity

Anthropology (Philosophy of Humanity)

Abrahamic Religions

A different interpretation of human existence is offered by the tradition of Abrahamic religions. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively referred to as Abrahamic religions due to their shared roots and acknowledgment of the common spiritual heritage of Abraham. In this tradition, humanity is seen as an independent substance. Both the Bible and the Quran state that God created man. If God created something, it implies that it exists. Therefore, if God created humanity, it signifies that human beings exist, and there can be no doubt about their real existence. Moreover, in Abrahamic religions, humans are regarded as the highest of God's creations. This is why there is such a profound interest in human beings within the realms of these religious traditions, and the study of human essence occupies a central place. Anthropology is only possible when the belief in human existence is unequivocal.

The Bible describes that God created man from "the dust of the ground" and breathed His Spirit into him. This has led to the interpretation of humanity as a being that unites two worlds: the spiritual and the material. Since man was created from matter, he possesses all that is inherent to matter. Since God breathed His Spirit into man, humanity contains a divine element. These two principles that compose humanity constitute its uniqueness. Humans are perpetually at the boundary between the divine and the material, constantly faced with the choice between spiritual and moral perfection, prayer, intellectual and philosophical growth, strengthening social bonds, self-sacrifice, and nobility on one side; and spiritual emptiness, immorality, hedonism, material satisfaction, primitiveness, and ignorance on the other. The fundamental characteristic of humanity is its freedom. Being free, humans can choose between these alternatives. However, human freedom also allows for the possibility of making incorrect choices.

An incorrect choice is sin. When a person chooses values that do not align with God's plan for them, they commit a sin. Having sinned, a person loses their freedom, becomes enslaved by their passions, and is unable to rescue themselves from this state. Yet, God does not leave humanity alone with its problems but provides a chance for salvation. The greatest tragedy of humanity caused by sin is death. By sinning, humanity loses its connection with God, who had filled their life.

Since humanity was created to be alive rather than mortal, they are intrinsically opposed to death. This is why death, and all that is associated with it, evokes a painful reaction and aversion in people. Since humanity became mortal, it has sought to escape this tragedy. Everything humans do has the goal of overcoming death. However, human efforts are incapable of overcoming death, for only God is the source of life. Since God loves humanity and desires not its death, He offers another chance at life. A person who turns to God makes the right spiritual and moral choice and has a chance for resurrection and eternal life.