Introduction
Nietzsche Friedrich is a German Philosopher borne in 15th October 1844.His works of art were mainly based on critics of religious studies, contemporary culture, and morality. He focused his energy on life forces. The key focus of his work was related to the objectivity of the morality of truth and values. He criticized any value that is related to the source of life .He strongly criticized morality and religious issues.
Arguments:
His argument on the “death of God “made people to criticize all his work terming them as paradoxical. He claimed that God no longer exists because the people have forgotten the existence of God to the extent that they no longer believe in him. He argued that God is dead in the minds of people.
His predictions have really helped to reflect what was to happening in the future and this has shaped the works of many scholars towards predicting the future based on the current trends.
He argues that the evil have taken advantage of the church to justice their wrongdoings, for instance, the politicians are now going to churches anyhow and without being questioned of their needs. This made Friedrich to doubt the morality of the church.
Criticism:
Most of his works were critically opposed by the society despite the fact that they a good reflection truth and reality in the society. On his works, he used passionate claims to portray his views and ideas. People viewed him as an atheist due to his work on the “Death of God”. This led to many reactions which may lead to life losing meaning. He argued the fact that people have indulged in too much instances of sin and evil things reflects the loss of meaning of life which indicates that God is dead in the minds of people.
Nietzsche’s vast body of research and philosophical work greatly criticizes absurdness of science and rationalism. To the contrary, what it offers as a replacement to the currently ruling paradigm is a fatalistic cynicism that seems to rejoice in human suffering and exploitation.
However, Nietzsche’s arguments are too powerful and cogent to dismiss too quickly. To a larger extend, his insights on humanity are compelling and accurate. He successfully advances a strong bias for cynicism thus leaving many of his audience wondering whether it is possible to be a Christian cynic.
His book is based on the concept that there is no logical or actual difference between good and evil. He considerably argues that there is no evil but only good which is also manifested in considerably varying extends. This argument is strongly palpable to the many orthodox Christians. Nietzsche’s believes that evil has no basis or ontological reality. For him it is merely the inexistence of good.
Nietzsche’s argued that Christians are also to blame for the development and advancement of western philosophy and thought. His entire cynicism is intelligently based on questioning existing thought pattern rather than blindly accepting all academic advancement. Nietzsche’s believes that, Christians to be particular and the society in general ought to be critical of nonspiritual thoughts. This mainly entails modern enlighten rationalism which is based on sovereignty of man’s depraved mind. He argues that academics brings good reforms to the society but brings much havoc to the lives of many men.
In his book “Twilight of Idols” Nietzsche made reasonable claims concerning religion. He demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt that Christian morality is indeed anti natural and consequently harmful to life. His reference to the sermon on the mountain that teaches about plucking out of the eye if it offends demonstrates this. Christianity is just but spiritualization of passion because most of the beliefs are not practical and if applied to real life it may be threatening human life.
Objections:
On the issue of fight against craving Nietzsche says this battle is fought by those who are weak and degenerative and therefore, their response to stimulus is low. Everyone must agree that no one can dictate how man shall be. Human beings are mortal and rational beings and are able to think and make personal choices and so it is wrong to be so naïve and believe in all the teachings of Christianity blindly the reality has shown that man ought to be different.
Basically the possible objection for this defense would be on the part of Christianity being spiritualization of passion. Most people will always argue that Christianity is a religion with its own particular fundamental values and believes other than just passion. Other critiques may also say that practicality of Christian teachings depends on ones level of faith and therefore those who say they are not practical are those who do not believe. From another view, some people may argue that Nietzsche does not consider the experience and expertise of those who are thought to be too weak and degenerative to fight against craving. Another group however, may take the view that God is omniscient and omnipresent and so he is in a position to dictate what is morally right to man.
Reply to the objection:
Against those who do not agree that Christianity is all about spiritualization of passion, they are bound to analyze all the parables mentioned in the New Testament to see whether not all of them try link with passion. On the issue of faith they should know that some things are just plain for instance, one does not need faith to understand that most text in the bible teachings are not practical at all. Finally if they claim that God is all knowing and all loving then why do human behavior sometimes go to the extreme and God does not rectify them. Human beings also continue to suffer under the watch of God.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Nietzsche raises good points and concerns in relations to modernity and rationalism. The today’s Christians should emulate his major beliefs on a healthy cynicism. However this should not be done blindly by the church. Nietzsche’s arguments does not include God as the founder of life, therefore, Nietzsche only finds despair and hopelessness in the living conditions of humans.
Works Cited
Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, and Duncan Large. Twilight of the idols, or, How to philosophize with a hammer. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.
