The Bigger Picture - Paperback

by Howard A. Lyman (Author)

This book is an exciting opportunity for exercising individual thought based upon humanity's search for a significant role in the ongoing drama of a much better world. It is a challenge to all of humanity of every race and culture, every religious faith, and to those who possess an avid religion of no religion, the pure atheist. Throughout the book, the author proclaims the dignity of the human creature as he seeks his destiny. It reflects a destiny that exists beyond all human comprehension, and is not to be restricted by any religion, especially Christianity. The author suggests that the most tragic happening for the Christian faith is that it has been categorized as "just another religion". The central theme of the book is that there is an awesomely bigger picture for the success of human life, and we are a precise part of its unfolding as humans, with the gifts of a reasoning mind, and a delicate inner spirit, searching for meaning and destiny. The book suggests that the ultimate destiny and goal is the ultimate perfection of human nature; his character and his behavior. This lies at the heart of all searching minds, and spirits, as they are driven to a discovery or destiny. Contained in Paul's letter to the Corinthians in the first century is his observation that "the human eye has never seen, or the ear heard; nor has there entered into the mind of any man, what it is that God has prepared for those who love Him." This book affirms that God is, and that God possesses the true blueprint for the perfection of human nature. Our human destiny is dependent upon our relationship to the Master Creator and our cooperation with Him. This is a crucial ingredient of all religions, and for all human beings who can recognize that God has created the human creature in His own image of a mind and spirit capable of communication with Him. This book does not attempt to identify the realistic facts of what the "bigger picture" is like. It only challenges us to realize that there is a "bigger picture", and we humans must participate in the development of it. We can only use our God-given minds and our spirits to cooperate with God in the attainment of a perfect humanity in a perfect new world. The book is designed as a "thinking" and "pondering" opportunity. It consists of nine chapters containing commentaries on the meaning of life, followed by thought- provoking sermons preached many years ago, but are currently challenging with a great depth of thought that enables the reader to ponder and consider and experience what it is that is happening to us as a part of the drama of world history, and cosmic exploration. The Christian event is vital to our thinking exploration because it was a happening that revealed the simple but essential fact that we humans are a part of a dramatic movement of life that involves the entire panorama of the cosmic universe. The book is full of affirmations that we humans are a part of a much more significant existence than we realize. Chapter titles reflect the insightful progress of the book: Chapter 1 "The Prelude"; Chapter II "The Glory of Life"; Chapter III "The Vital Truth That Eludes Us"; Chapter IV "Life is Utterly Amazing"; Chapter V "What is Really Going On?"; Chapter VI "Faith Is Vital"; Chapter VII "When Hope Comes Alive"; Chapter Vifi "Love Is Like a Miracle"; and Chapter IX "Your Ultimate Goal". The fmal statement of the author reflects his common-sense analysis of human life. He states that "There is no such thing as perfection in this life, but ultimately in 'God's Bigger Picture' there will be!" It is God's goal for His human creation--you and me.