Question

According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism quoted in the lecture, what is the primary purpose of humanity?

1) To glorify God and enjoy Him forever
2) To achieve personal success and happiness
3) To accumulate wealth and power
4) To fulfill one's desires and ambitions

Answer 1

The primary purpose of humanity according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, reflecting a teleological perspective on life's purpose.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the primary purpose of humanity is 1) To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This belief reflects a teleological view which posits that life has a purpose defined by a higher power, in this case, God. This perspective is not singular; different philosophical and religious traditions have articulated varied views on human purpose. For Aristotle, the purpose is to achieve eudaimonia or flourishing through the cultivation of virtues. Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment philosophers like Kant emphasized treating people as ends in themselves and upholding rational moral maxims.