Why Didn't God Make Humans Immortal?

For many, the concept of a loving, all-powerful deity raises the question: if God created human beings, why didn't He endow them with immortality?

The Concept of Immortality and Its Limitations

Immortality, in the most simplistic terms, means eternal life, a state in which one lives forever without experiencing death. However, immortality does not guarantee a blissful, carefree existence. It would involve enduring a lifetime of toil, suffering, and sadness, which could be considered harsh and unloving by human standards.

Imperfection in Creation

The idea of a loving God crafting immortal beings who suffer and toil for eternity seems counterintuitive. Why would a benevolent creator impose such hardships? Life is full of uncertainties, and being immortal would mean experiencing life's ups and downs without the respite of death.

Difference Between Immortality and Invulnerability

It is important to distinguish between immortality and invulnerability. Immortality refers specifically to the inability to die a natural death. However, this does not protect an individual from disabilities, deformities, or unnatural deaths at the hands of others.

Human Versus Divine Expectations

For God to create immortal beings, these beings would need to possess characteristics and behaviors far beyond those seen in the current human form. A truly immortal human would have to be invulnerable and experience a life that is entirely fair and filled with happiness. Achieving such a state would require a complete departure from the flawed nature of present humanity.

The Genesis of Mortality

Genesis provides a narrative that sheds light on why God did not make humans immortal. According to the story, God initially offered Adam and Eve the opportunity to live forever by eating from the Tree of Life. However, they chose to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thus disobeying the divine command and being expelled from the Garden of Eden.

This act of disobedience led to their immortality being forfeited. The narrative suggests that eternal life would come with an unacceptable price – the ability to live forever in a state of sin. The question then arises, would true justice and love truly be satisfied by allowing such a state to persist?

Surviving in an Imperfect World

Many humans, even in their advanced years, still wish to continue their existence. However, as individuals age, they often express a desire to no longer live. This wish is deeply rooted in the fear of prolonged suffering and the weariness of life's many challenges. It is rare for anyone to desire eternal life, as it could become a nightmarish existence.

At some point, the human desire for new experiences and adventures diminishes, and life loses its charm, prompting a sense of acceptance.

The Truth About Immortality

In reality, humans are already immortal in a way. Death is the end of a specific state, not the end of existence entirely. In this sense, death is a transition, much like moving on to a new phase or dimension. Throughout history, different cultures have viewed death as a gateway to eternal life, whether in the physical or spiritual sense.

Conclusion

While the concept of immortality is intriguing and often romanticized, the narrative of human creation reveals a more complex explanation. God's decision to create humans with mortality reflects a balance between justice and compassion. It allows for the possibility of growth, learning, and ultimately, the pursuit of eternal life or peace in a different form.

Keywords: Immortality, Divine Creation, Human Suffering, Eternal Life, Divine Love