For Monotheism, I will substitute Christianity, for it is the one prevalent pure form of monotheism that exists today. Atheism has many branches, but we will leave it at that for our purposes here.
Obviously, atheism and Christianity are mutually exclusive at the core. The cores respectively being 'all that exists is because of chance' and 'all that exists is because of God'. They both claim the source of the universe is eternal, and quite frankly, neither can prove either of their positions on this by means of the physical (or metaphysical). Both make claims to a distinguished superior characteristic. Atheism claims that the physical is the only way to understand the universe and to get answers about why we are here. Christianity claims that the spiritual is the ultimate route to discovering truth. I suppose it is unavoidable that each must ultimately be in direct defiance to the claims of the other.
Well, firstly I will address the issue of the claims that each makes about their distinguishing characteristic.
Today, Christianity makes the claim to be superior in the spiritual, but now many attempts are also made to reconcile it with science (the physical). With the current train of thought (and some beliefs and doctrines) that most Christians have adopted, this is simply not possible. It is interesting to note that atheists only shy away from any attempt to reconcile their beliefs with spirituality (inevitably, there will always be some who try to mix and match, but we are only concerned with strict atheists). What is interesting to observe in my opinion, is that for the most part both push away the other's strong suit, if I may use the card analogy. This, in my humble opinion, is where the heart of the matter lies. This is where I believe, if we are to seek for The Truth, we will find it.
--Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion - Sir Francis Bacon
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Atheism and Monotheism
In this discussion I will attempt to keep things simple. Notice I did not say superficial, I said simple. As in short, sweet, and to the point. It is my hope that my writings are simple yet profound, that they encourage deeper thought, discussion, and questions. I will begin with the two most opposite of beliefs in existence: atheism and monotheism. If you are not familiar with the fundamentals of these beliefs, then you should do some research before you read any farther. It is precisely because these two worldviews are the only real direct opposites in existence that I will devote much time to their discussion. There is much to be said about opposites--right and wrong, good and bad, holy and evil-- they have intrigued man for millennia. So it begins...
The other day, I was writing my thoughts down on this topic. I wrote so much I ran my pen out of ink, it was tragic; I cry when a pen dies. I was afraid that after all that writing I might not end up with anything worth while, then I had a thought. I wrote as fast as I could before the thought vanished into the air. It felt like a revelation of sorts:
If God does not exist, then the lie that he does would directly inhibit virtually all areas of advancement in life due to the intense need to shy away from this very fact. This would be a vicious circle to be sure! Some would most likely go so far as to say it would slow down the evolutionary process of man and perhaps the rest of life on earth. Obviously, this way of thinking has serious implications (which we will discuss more about later). But on the other hand, if atheistic beliefs on life are lies, then its direct opposite, monotheism and all it represents, would be directly inhibited just the same, and again the implications are tremendous. I suppose this has something to do with actions and reactions, they have a very lively relationship of cause and effect. But why don't these two opposites attract? Good question! I wonder, can we find any similarities in these two beliefs?
The other day, I was writing my thoughts down on this topic. I wrote so much I ran my pen out of ink, it was tragic; I cry when a pen dies. I was afraid that after all that writing I might not end up with anything worth while, then I had a thought. I wrote as fast as I could before the thought vanished into the air. It felt like a revelation of sorts:
If God does not exist, then the lie that he does would directly inhibit virtually all areas of advancement in life due to the intense need to shy away from this very fact. This would be a vicious circle to be sure! Some would most likely go so far as to say it would slow down the evolutionary process of man and perhaps the rest of life on earth. Obviously, this way of thinking has serious implications (which we will discuss more about later). But on the other hand, if atheistic beliefs on life are lies, then its direct opposite, monotheism and all it represents, would be directly inhibited just the same, and again the implications are tremendous. I suppose this has something to do with actions and reactions, they have a very lively relationship of cause and effect. But why don't these two opposites attract? Good question! I wonder, can we find any similarities in these two beliefs?
Introduction to 'Essays of Questions'
Is reason supreme? Is it second to none? Does it answer to the spirit? Is it a lie? Was man bestowed with so precious a tool by chance? Has man been designed with this intensely awesome gift merely to let it rot in the dust of ritual, tradition, and superstition? If a person comes to an understanding of God, which surely must have something to do with the mind, then why are we to fear humanity's accomplishments through its use? Too many questions, not enough answers. I will be up front, I can give very few definitive answers for all of these questions; but what I will do is ask anyone who will honestly seek for truth to join me on this journey. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas with me; together we will embark on this life-long journey.
I do not pretend to be a scholar or a scientist of any sort. Nor do I claim to be a perfect human being. I am quite capable of error in all aspects of life, of that I am well aware. These writings are first of all not for anyone who cannot handle something which questions what they think they know (and have not tested). They are not for the arrogant and ignorant who think they have arrived at all truths, big or small. Finally, they are definitely not for the person who is seeking quick and easy answers to the hard questions life throws in our face, for much of what I will be discussing will only leave the reader with more questions than answers. Besides, as I am seeking the Truth, here, now, for my own sanity, each of you must also seek in the same manner, and experience it in your own lives. Indeed it is true that experience is a great teacher. Hopefully then, everyone who continues to read past this point will be open and completely honest in their personal search for the Truth.
I do not pretend to be a scholar or a scientist of any sort. Nor do I claim to be a perfect human being. I am quite capable of error in all aspects of life, of that I am well aware. These writings are first of all not for anyone who cannot handle something which questions what they think they know (and have not tested). They are not for the arrogant and ignorant who think they have arrived at all truths, big or small. Finally, they are definitely not for the person who is seeking quick and easy answers to the hard questions life throws in our face, for much of what I will be discussing will only leave the reader with more questions than answers. Besides, as I am seeking the Truth, here, now, for my own sanity, each of you must also seek in the same manner, and experience it in your own lives. Indeed it is true that experience is a great teacher. Hopefully then, everyone who continues to read past this point will be open and completely honest in their personal search for the Truth.
Questions about Truth, God, and Life that I Should Have Asked Long Ago
Questions and more questions. Answers only alleviate some anguish and usher in more confusion.Those who have reached the 'truth', whatever they have found it to be, I have to seriously question how hard they really sought for what they 'found'. I find that it's easy for people to believe what they want to believe, but very difficult to accept Truth even when it poses triumphantly in broad daylight before them. It seems to me that the world has been playing a game for as far back as any history books can go. The only rule in this game is to see how many versions of 'the truth' can be invented. Today things are no different. There is the atheist who claims reason is supreme, God cannot be proven by observable means, so he cannot be real. We have many religions, all claiming some sort of supremacy over the minds of men-- Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity in its diverse forms, the list goes on and on, I will not bore you. Then of course there are the various opinions in the middle who have taken what they like best out of every other view on life. Of course, this topic is such a beaten one, what more can we get out of it, what can we do at this dead end? Some throw up their hands and conclude we can never know the truth. Is that what you will do? I sincerely hope not. If you have a little patience and more honesty, you will never stop seeking for the Truth, and that is what I will do throughout the course of these letters.