William James was the most widely-read philosopher of the 1900s. He devoted his life to seeking a philosophical answer to the question: "Does God exist, and what difference would His existence make to human beings?"

I am profoundly sorry for those who blindly blunder through life with neither guide, guidebook, compass, road map, nor means of getting one's bearings. All of those things are freely offered and readily available to everyone. This famous philosopher was "led ... to the verge of despair over his inability to reach a decision" about his most basic questions. (1988 World Book Encyclopedia, volume 11, pg. 27).

Elder Quentin L. Cook quoted "a prominent biologist professor" at Stanford University who asserts that "There's no such thing as God, ... and there's no free will, ... and this is a vast, indifferent, empty universe." (Liahona, May 2024, 50).

I am amazed that people read and study these blind guides who are able to eloquently speak and write, but who are as ignorant as those who have not yet learned how to read and write. These learned philosophers are more to be pitied than the uneducated. They are professing to be wise thinkers and leaders when they are in reality dangerous, blind guides leading their followers ever deeper into darkness and despair.

Another such leader was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German, who was "one of the most influential Christian philosophers born since 1900." (1988 World Book Encyclopedia, volume II, pg. 471). "He wrote that the human race had 'come of age' and should create a 'religionless Christianity' that could preserve Christian values without the traditional ideas of a supernatural God."

What nonsense. What stupidity. What ignorance! I shake my head in disbelief that these men might have admiring followings.

Yesterday (20 January 2025) the American nation said goodbye to a president who lacked common sense, and inaugurated one who retains some common sense, but who lacks morals and civility. Where is the hope for such a society?

The hope is in the answer to William James' lifelong question: "If God exists, what difference would His existence make to human beings?"

It makes all the difference. God is the Creator of all things. He knows how to direct them. We are made in His image. We look like Him. His entire work and glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. Our happiness is His primary goal. Our happiness is dependent upon knowing Him and keeping His commandments.

To help us learn about Him and His commandments He has sent prophets and His own Son to teach us. He has provided scripture. He gives the Holy Ghost as a guide. That Guide will be with anyone who strives to keep the commandments. That Guide forsakes the unbeliever, the adulterer, the thief, and the captive addict. That Guide, however, will do its best to penetrate one's darkness if that person shows some belief and some desire to learn, believe, obey, and change.

The new president of our nation has said, "I don't believe in repentance." Many of his edicts show that he has some common sense, but his rancor and disbelief in repentance will make it difficult for the Holy Spirit to guide his decisions. He's going to make needless mistakes at our expense.

Does God exist? Most assuredly.

Does His existence make any difference to human beings?

The most basic human need is for us to know God. When we know God, we know who we are. Our aspirations and goals are established. We know how to act. We know how to make correct decisions. We know what brings happiness and what causes despair.

Without an understanding of God and constantly striving to keep His commandments, confusion, darkness, despair, and incorrect decisions are guaranteed.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, but he either wasn't reading his Bible or didn't understand what he read. William James and the biology professor obviously ignored the Bible completely. Our new president does the same.

I pray for the light of the Spirit to penetrate their darkness. I have experienced that darkness, and I have also been led to the light. I never again want to experience that darkness. I want all men to experience the light and happiness which surround me. It's available to everyone.