Since time immemorial, the human race has been on its toes trying to validate the existence of superior beings. Religion exists to teach and house virtues of the beliefs of the existence of a God. In this document, the concept of Anslem will be outlined and discussed in depth. In the end, a conclusion will be drawn regarding the same concept.
Anslem plays a key role in outlining the concept behind the existence of God. He points out that God exists since human understanding acknowledges this. He views the human mind as a place in which things exist. He considers the understanding of God’s existence as some of the things that exist in the stated place. Those that comprehend the claims behind the existence of God but refuse to accept that he exists are fools. “Hence even the fool is convinced that something exists in the understanding, at least, than which nothing greater can be conceived. For when he hears of this, he understands it. And whatever is understood, exists in the understanding” (Mackie 2). His proof is strange in that he argues that the fool has invalid concepts. The claims that it is one thing for something to exist in the human understanding and another for the thing to be understood to exist get a place in this debate. He argues that God exists beyond human understanding. His argument is strange since it focuses on the fool’s perspective and the contradiction of this perspective.
Anselm emphasizes that our love of God involves memory and understanding as well as love. He claims that all existing human souls possess an immortal nature. He views the souls of all those who love God to be destined for eternal blessings. On the other hand, the souls of those who do not love God will experience nothing short of eternal misery. He states that the love for God is the main aspect of the just among the human race (Mackie 47).
Anslem’s work can be explained and evidenced by the use of the object theory. This theory helps to explain the brainchild of the concepts presented by Anslem. The Object theory focuses on validating the existence of objects based on the theories and ideas surrounding the existence of the object.
In conclusion, Anslem in his attempt to explain the existence of God and the related proofs develops a unique strange approach. Anslem just like his fellow human race members is interested in explaining the origin and nature in which God exists. His concept includes perceiving the human mind as a place. The place has things that exist. The human mind has the concept of God’s existence this is considered a thing in the place. The existence of the belief is therefore the cause of the belief of God’s existence. It is, therefore, valid to claim that the existence of God is valid. He looks down upon the people who claim they understand the existence and the ideas behind this belief of God’s existence yet they do not believe that God exists. He calls them fools. He also makes the claims that the love for God will create eternal happiness while the non-believer will experience nothing short of external misery. Anslem also acknowledges that human souls are immortal. The human race should approach the aspects of the Anslem concept to conclude on whether God exists or not.
Works Cited
Mackie, Leslie. The miracle of Theism. Arguments for and against the existence of God. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1982.