Modern secular thinkers do not provide sufficient metaphysical arguments for continually improving life-conditions, which leaves room for alternative approaches. Professor of Biblical Studies Edward Meadors wrote a review of a book written by James Smith called On the Road with Saint Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts (2020). The author is wondering what is the purpose of contemporary science that does not consider philosophy. Meador’s central thesis is that postmodern existentialists believe that existence is meaningless, rendering scientific improvement unnecessary.
The road, referred to in the title of the book, is connected to humans’ idea that they are the prodigal son. The author argues that “like the Prodigal, human journeys always prove restless until the traveler comes to know the Father’s embrace” (Meadors, 2020, p. 120). Thus, the postmodern and existential world cannot provide self-realization, only the illusion of a self-sufficient life. Ultimately, through conversation with St. Augustine, the author finds their path through the grace of God.
The text presents the secular world as striving for meaning but never capable of satisfying a human’s desires for self-realization. In contrast, the author states, “On the Road with Augustine is a timely message for restless hearts whose self-charted courses have sputtered into despair” (Meadors, 2020, p. 121). This idea is extended to the realm of science, where the author argues that discoveries that may improve our lives are aimless if people do not see any point in living. Claiming that spirituality in general and St. Augustine, in particular, can overcome the existentialism of modern philosophy is a direct refutation to the ideas of the postmodernists. Lastly, the author is raising a question of what is the end goal of science. In particular, Meadors brings up the thought that existentialism, as a philosophy, is a hindrance to science.
Reference
Meadors, E. P. (2020). On the road with Saint Augustine: A real-world spirituality for restless hearts.Perspectives on Science & Christian Faith, 72(2), 119–121. Web.