Why Should Teolology Matter to Christians?

Teleology derives its name from the Ancient Greek word telos, which means end or purpose, and -ology, the study of. Teleology explains an event or object, defining it based on what it was designed to do. For example, in Greek philosophy, an acorn’s telos was to become an oak tree.

What is the Teleological Argument In Apologetics?

The teleological argument refers to the idea that the human body and this world are so well-designed that it must be here for a reason. This idea was made famous by William Paley in his watchmaker analogy.

“In crossing a meadow, suppose I pitched my foot against a stone, and were asked how the stone came to be there; I might possibly answer, that, for anything I knew to the contrary, it had lain there forever: nor would it perhaps be very easy to show the absurdity of this answer. But suppose I had found a watch upon the ground, and it should be inquired how the watch happened to be in that place; I should hardly think of the answer which I had before given, that for anything I knew, the watch might have always been there.” — (Natural Theology)

Paley points to the complexity and design evident in creation to prove God’s existence. This argument is strong proof for God’s existence, particularly as molecular biology continues to reveal the complexity of life. There is a reason and purpose for life to exist, and a creator is involved with his creation. Life is not the result of random chance.

However, the teleological argument has received pushback from many secular biologists who believe life is truly meaningless. Nature abhors a vacuum, so people end up devoting their life to something.

What Does Teleology Look Like in the Secular World?

Darwinism began the process of deconstructing teleology. In evolutionary biology, as presented by Darwin, there is no reason any species should dominate another except by random chance. This removes any teleology in the philosophy.

Ultimately a view of life without any teleology gave way to nihilism, which says that life has no inherent meaning. This idea led to the idea that “might makes right” and that the strongest organisms have the right to survive. This idea reached its logical conclusion in Nazi Germany.

Many people who claim to be secular still believe in fate. For example, many today talk about “the universe” working things out. However, the universe is an impersonal force that does not have a purpose or plan. However, human nature needs something to explain what is happening to us. Both atheists and theists believe that events happen for a specific reason.

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde’s character Lord Henry accurately characterizes secular teleology when he says, “The aim of life is self-development. To realize one’s nature perfectly—that is what each of us is here for.”

Originally written as a caricature of false maturity, this view has become how many young men look at themselves. The revival of stoic philosophy gives credibility to this theory. Stoicism believes that the goal of humanity is to become the best version of ourselves. This appeals to the secular mind because it gives them total and absolute freedom to be who they want to be.

This pursuit of self-development leads modern secular people to pursue authenticity at all costs. Secular teleology values individualism above a collective end for all of humanity. This results in a very self-focused view of life’s purpose rather than one that can help us have life and have it abundantly.

What Does the Bible Say About Teleology?

Colossians 1:16 presents the believer with teleology. For by him (Jesus), all things were created, visible and invisible in heaven and on earth, whether thrones, rulers, dominions, or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. The fact that everything was created for Jesus points to our lives’ purpose. We can know we were created to worship Jesus in heaven for eternity. That is our ultimate destiny, but how can we worship Christ here on Earth? How does that give our lives meaning?

Ephesians expands on this. God says we are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). This points to the fact that our life’s purpose is to do good works that God prepared for us. As believers, we must carry out good works so that all people may glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

The book of Philippians gives us many insights into Paul’s teleology. He sees every circumstance, no matter how difficult, as serving to advance God’s kingdom. For example, in 1:12, he sees his imprisonment as a blessing because it served to advance the Gospel to Romans who never would have had the opportunity to hear about Jesus. Paul sees his life here on earth as of little value because of the fellowship he will experience with Jesus in heaven. He chose to stay in the world longer so that those he was helping might grow stronger in their faith. Paul says it has been “granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake” (1:29). This idea that suffering is inevitable and something we are given as believers is counterintuitive. It shows us there is a purpose in the difficulties we face, and so it gives us a telos to strive towards.

In Chapter 2 of Philippians, Paul discusses the end goal of creation in—see vv. vv. 9-11. The Glory of Jesus is the ultimate end for which he created the world. The reality that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord should motivate the Philippians and us to obedience (vv. 12-13). This obedience comes from God so we can have even more faith in him. Paul’s telos makes him okay with pouring out his own life for the sake of the Philippians (v. 17). He wants them to rejoice with him in his suffering as he helps them grow (v. 18).

Why is Teleology Important for Christians Today?

Teleology, having an awareness of the goal of our lives, is a powerful testimony to the people around us who don’t have any sense of purpose. There is an existential peace that comes from knowing what the purpose of life is. Knowing everything has a purpose allows people to make the best of bad situations. God has wired us to seek purpose in every difficulty and pain. These disparate random experiences of suffering can only find their true resolution in Jesus. This peace is found only in knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Believing in Jesus doesn’t automatically make the difficult feelings go away immediately. When these negative feelings and circumstances present themselves, we know they serve a better purpose in our lives because we know he works all things for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Chapter 3 gives powerful testimony to Paul’s teleology and how that shapes his view of his current reality. His life here on earth is devoted entirely to knowing Jesus more and making him known to others. In verse 8, he says he counts everything as loss because of the supposing worth of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. Verses 10-14 show his desire to continue learning and growing closer to Jesus. He moves forward with his eyes on the reward he will receive in heaven.

Philippians 4 shows us what Paul’s teleology of looking forward to the hope of heaven looks like in practice. It allows him to be free from anxiety and content in all circumstances. Paul is a great example of what following Jesus can do for us in difficult circumstances. Therefore, we should strive to imitate him as he imitated Christ.

As the Westminster shorter catechism says, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” This answer defines life in a teleological way because it gives our life a meaning that is larger than ourselves. We see that our lives have a purpose in glorifying God.

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Ben Reichert works with college students in New Zealand. He graduated from Iowa State in 2019 with degrees in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and agronomy. He is passionate about church history, theology, and having people walk with Jesus. When not working or writing you can find him running or hiking in the beautiful New Zealand Bush.