We Who Wrestle with God: Moral Choices and the Inner Conscience

This lecture delves into the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of moral decision-making, drawing heavily on biblical narratives to illustrate profound concepts about human nature, purpose, and the relationship with the divine.

The Genesis of "We Who Wrestle with God"

The speaker introduces his new book, "We Who Wrestle with God," which unexpectedly became a number one bestseller. The title itself is a direct translation of the word "Israel," signifying that the "chosen people" are those who engage in a continuous struggle with God. This wrestling is not merely a theological concept but a fundamental aspect of human existence, as individuals are constantly faced with moral decisions, aiming either "up or down" in their actions and intentions.

A core principle guiding the book's creation was the insistence on claims justifiable from both philosophical/theological and scientific perspectives. The speaker posits that if there is a fundamental unity to all things, then science and ethics must converge. Any apparent conflict between them is attributed to human ignorance rather than an inherent disjunction in reality or the illusory nature of ethics.

The Moral Imperative of Every Action

The lecture uses the classic riddle, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" to illustrate a fundamental point: every action has a reason, and every decision about a destination is inherently a moral one. Whether one aims for improvement or seeks to worsen things, every directional action is an ethical action, even at the most microcosmic level.

This idea extends to perception itself. Drawing on physiological discoveries, the speaker asserts that there is no perception independent of action, no action independent of decision, and no decision independent of morality. Therefore, there is no perception independent of morality. This implies that how one perceives the world is a reflection of their intent. If one's life is filled with misery, it prompts the question of how much of that misery is a consequence of misaligned aims. If misery stems from one's own choices, then there is agency to change it, rather than being a powerless victim of fate.

Jacob's Transformation: Aiming Upward

The story of Jacob, who later becomes Israel, serves as a powerful example of this transformative process. Jacob begins as a flawed character, deceitful and manipulative, particularly in his dealings with his brother and father. His initial state highlights a crucial theme: biblical heroes are often complex, flawed individuals, offering hope that even imperfect people can achieve greatness.

Jacob's journey toward becoming "Israel" begins after he is forced to flee his family due to his deceit. In his solitude, he makes a conscious decision to "aim up." This decision is likened to the radical reorientation required to overcome an addiction, such as alcoholism. The speaker notes that while medical and psychological treatments for alcoholism have limited success, religious conversion has been known to be effective for decades. This is because overcoming deep-seated destructive patterns requires a fundamental reorientation of one's life path, a recognition of past wrongs, and a willingness to sacrifice for a better future.

This "aiming up" involves a sacrificial attitude, as depicted in the Old Testament stories where individuals make burnt offerings. While the archaic language might obscure the meaning, the underlying principle is that change necessitates sacrifice. One must shed old, immature, or foolish aspects of oneself to progress. The example of parents maturing after having children illustrates this, as they are called upon to prioritize another's well-being above their own, transforming from "children to adults."

Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending, symbolizes this upward aim and the connection between human striving and the divine. This vision represents the structure that unites humanity with the ultimate good.

The Ineffable Nature of the Highest Good

The biblical tradition, both Old and New Testament, insists that what is highest is ineffable and undefinable. This is because the highest possible good cannot be fully conceived; as one strives towards it, they learn more, and the "top recedes as you approach it." This continuous, inexhaustible pursuit prevents life from becoming a Sisyphean task of pointlessness, instead offering endless adventure and growth. This receding, ineffable principle is one way God is defined in the biblical library, representing an ultimate, unifying good that is always beyond full comprehension.

The "spirit of your aim informs your revelations." If one aims for vengeance, ideas of vengeance will manifest. Conversely, if one aims for higher principles, those principles will guide their perceptions and actions. This is not merely a religious proclamation but a biological truth, as perceptions, motivations, and emotions serve as navigational markers, directing individuals towards their aims.

Elijah and the Voice of Conscience

The story of Elijah further illuminates the concept of "aiming up" and the nature of the divine. Elijah appears with Christ in the Transfiguration, signifying his importance. He represents the defeat of nature worship, a theme that resonates with modern concerns. Jezebel, Ahab's queen, embodies nature worship, which the speaker associates with the sacrifice of children and a misplaced valuation of nature over human life. Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal, where divine fire consumes his water-soaked altar, symbolizes the triumph of a higher, ethical principle over a destructive, naturalistic one. The subsequent return of rain, mirroring the "Lion King" narrative, signifies that when society aligns with the proper principles, abundance and well-being follow.

Elijah's most profound realization occurs when he hides in a cave, experiencing an earthquake, fire, and storm. He realizes that God is not in these awe-inspiring natural phenomena but in "the voice that comes to people from within" – the "still small voice" of conscience. This insight elevates conscience to the level of the divine, a transformative idea akin to Socrates' discovery of how to think.

The voice of conscience is characterized as: - Still and small: It requires quiet to be heard and does not compel with force. - Autonomous: It cannot be controlled or silenced by the individual, suggesting a part of oneself that is not entirely "you." - Transcendent: It speaks to everyone with a similar aim, guiding individuals towards appropriate action and revealing flaws.

This internal, yet transcendent, voice of conscience is presented as a definition of God in the Old Testament. It aligns with other biblical characterizations of God as the voice of adventure (Abraham) and the voice that calls the wise to prepare (Noah). The speaker argues that this convergence points to a monotheistic unity.

The Biological Basis of Conscience

The lecture then connects this theological understanding of conscience to a more mechanistic, biological interpretation. Using the example of short-term versus long-term mating strategies in men, the speaker illustrates how different aims shape character and behavior. Men who favor short-term strategies often exhibit traits of the "dark tetrad": Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism.

However, for individuals with a more complex mix of traits, if a part of them aims for love, responsibility, and long-term commitment (e.g., becoming a parent or grandparent), this implicit aim shapes their attention and actions. When one acts in a way that violates this longer-term covenant, their "own soul is going to let you know that you've wandered off the path." This internal mechanism, the conscience, ensures alignment with deeper, long-term goals, preventing self-betrayal. The speaker asserts that this is an "incontrovertible empirical fact," uniting the theological and biological perspectives.

Jonah: The Peril of Silence

The story of Jonah serves as a stark warning about the consequences of refusing to heed the call of conscience. Jonah, an ordinary man, is commanded by God to preach to Nineveh, a city of his enemies. Jonah, wishing ill upon them, attempts to flee in the opposite direction. His subsequent sleep on the boat symbolizes the unconsciousness that results from violating one's conscience.

The storm that imperils the ship represents the danger that arises when an individual, or a society, ignores the divine call. Jonah's confession and subsequent sacrifice (being thrown overboard) lead to the calming of the storm and the conversion of the pagan sailors. This illustrates that if one refuses to speak their truth, they put "the ship at risk"—be it their soul, family, or state. The speaker emphasizes that every person, being unique and made in the image of God, has something valuable to offer, and their silence can lead to societal degeneration.

Jonah's descent into the belly of the whale, described as hell, signifies that there are worse things than death: conditions of unbearable misery resulting from one's own inaction. His eventual repentance and willingness to obey lead to his deliverance and his successful mission in Nineveh. The Ninevites, moved by his compelling message, repent, and the city is spared. This narrative underscores the idea that a city can be saved if even a few individuals dare to speak the truth, highlighting the immense value of individual conscience and courage.

Discipline vs. Tyranny

In the Q&A section, the speaker addresses the question of distinguishing between high discipline and tyrannizing oneself. He uses the biblical story of Moses striking the rock instead of inviting it to give water as an analogy. Moses, despite his greatness, is punished for using force when he was commanded to use invitation and language. This illustrates that even with oneself, force is a sign of bad policy.

Instead of tyrannical self-discipline, one should "invite yourself along for the ride." This means finding something one can do enthusiastically, even if small, and building on that. This principle extends to relationships, where negotiation and mutual agreement, rather than compulsion, lead to better outcomes. True discipline, therefore, is not oppressive but an "invitation to play," a "religious adherence to a set of enabling principles" that fosters growth and joy.

The Most Important Words Ever Said

Regarding Christ's cry on the cross, "My God and my God, why have you forsaken me?", the speaker clarifies that while he may have called them "important," he doesn't recall saying "most important." He interprets the passion of Christ as a "comprehensive tragedy," representing the spirit of God experiencing life in its totality, including ultimate despair. This despair is a necessary part of the tragedy, and the resurrection signifies that hope can emerge even from such depths.

The Christian insistence that Christ's voluntary sacrifice reconciles man to God is understood as accepting all of life's challenges. This echoes Job's unwavering faith despite immense suffering. The story suggests that to redeem the world, one must not only face unjust death but also "wrestle with malevolence itself." This voluntary confrontation with terror and despair is what makes individuals brave enough to prevail, with the "spirit of your ancestors" walking with those who face the "belly of the shadow of death in faith."

Phone Addiction and the Tower of Babel

Finally, the speaker addresses phone addiction in the context of the Tower of Babel. The Tower of Babel, built by engineers obsessed with technology, symbolizes a tyrannical society where technology is worshipped as God, leading to a loss of genuine communication.

The practical advice is to make the phone a servant, not a master. Recognizing the immense power of modern phones, the speaker acknowledges the difficulty of this task. He warns that unchecked technological advancement, like the "all-seeing eye of Sauron," can replace the divine if people are irresponsible. He shares a personal anecdote where his wife gently reminded him of his phone usage during lunch, highlighting the importance of being "tapped into shape constantly by the people around us" to maintain sanity and healthy relationships. The battle against phone addiction is an ongoing one, and future technological advancements will only intensify this challenge.