| Part V. Of Religion |
| Ch 26 – Of this Part In this part unlike the others, I shall discuss religion from the base up, rather than considering questions alone. I have chosen this route because one cannot support the existence of certain religious beliefs before others have been considered. In past parts, each question may be considered seperately, however, this does not hold true for religion. Thus we begin. Ch 27 – Of the existence of God The first question which must be answered is “Does God exist?” One truly cannot answer this question until one defines what God is. Too often we define God by His attributes (good, just, etc.), however, this is a rather awkward method. How can we truly find attributes of something that is defined by its attributes? Quite simply it is not possible. Rather, I shall begin with a single attribute (which will be my definition, and proving the existence of this definition must, therefore, prove the existence of God). Now, the question is “By which attribute will we define God?” Obviously, the best definition for God (as of anything), is a single attribute that is unique to God (or whatever you are defining). Thus, I choose the definition infinite. For there is no other thing that is infinite besides God. Now that we have a definition, let’s prove (or disprove) its existence. Each event is the effect of a cause, and each cause, in turn, an effect of another cause. Thus, we derive two possibilities, one linear, the other circular. In the linear, we find that there must have been a first cause, which has no cause (otherwise no events could take place, which is obviously false). In the circular we find an infinite loop, which in and of itself is obviously infinite and proves the existence of God. Thus, we see that God must exist either within the infinite loop of causes and effects or as the first cause (or Creator). Ch 28 – Of the nature of God Having shown that God must exist, I now find it extremely important to discover whether the nature of the universe is circular of linear, for only then can we find whether this inquiry requires further development. If the universe is of a linear nature, God is of a spiritual rather that physical nature, and may contain attributes of a spiritual nature. If the universe is circular, then God may be physical and contained within the universe. Thus, spiritual attributes will be pure speculation, with absolutely no founding. Therefore, the question is: “Is God a spiritual being?” This is why we must discover the nature of the universe. Now I offer the evidence to answer this question. The second law of thermodynamics. This law states that the universe is moving toward a state of further disorder. First, I’d like to make this clear: This is a LAW of physics, and laws of physics cannot be violated naturally in the physical universe. Therefore, we see that the universe must be linear. For infinite loops (as the universe must be if the universe is circular) cannot be moving toward a state of further disorder, but must be maintaining order (either continuously stable, or moving from more orderly to less orderly and back). Thus, the universe must be linear and temporal, and God, being infinite, must be spiritual. Ch 29 – Other attributes of God Let us remember that the only truths that exist are mere expansions or representations of definition. Therefore, let us expand our definition of God (an infinite, eternal, spiritual first cause or Creator). The first logical expansion is that the is only one God. This is because there cannot be two infinite things. Either one will envelop and devour the other, or they will, in fact, have been the same thing from the beginning. Of course, there is always the possibility that that which seems infinite is only a finite part of an infinite thing. For example, in mathematics, the “infinite” set of integers envelops the “infinite” set of even numbers. Or we may think of an ascending list of integers and a descending. They are, in fact, the same list, only our Point of View is different. And, as an example of the final possibility, we may look at odd and even numbers. We realize that these (along with all other sets here mentioned) are both members of the larger set of real numbers. Thus, we see yet another attribute of God. God is One, but may be composed of “subsets” or “persons” as they are often referred to. Now we have defined God as: spiritual, infinite, eternal, creator, and one. Now, I will leave the discussion of God’s attributes, fearing that if I go further, I may stop defining and start assigning God’s attributes. Also, I would like to make one more comment about God’s attributes. This point may be best explained by an example: “God is loving”, “God is love”. These are two entirely different statements. One implies the other, but not vice versa. Stating that “God is love” implies that He is loving, and, in fact, more than that. This implies that God is the standard for love. It is similar to being either 12” or a 12” ruler. It is by the ruler that we measure 12”. However, no one measures a ruler to be sure it is 12”. What would we measure it by? Quite simply, the only possibility is to approximate the length of a “non-ruler” and compare its length to the ruler. We cannot deny the foolishness of this action. Therefore, when we choose our religion, let us not claim God to be unjust or unloving, when He is the standard for love and justice and our love or justice are only approximations of true love or justice. Ch 30 – Of the Selection of Religion Now we come to our next question, that of selecting a religion. First, I shall make a few statements concerning religion in general. When considering religion in general we must ask many question, only a few of which I will consider (those dealing specifically with the selection of religion). Our first question is: “Is there a correct religion in existence?” This is an extremely difficult question to answer. Why? Because religions have a tendency to make prophecies, often some of which have not yet come true. Thus, we should restrain ourselves from finding the correct religion, and, rather eliminate the incorrect. Let’s remember the statement of Sherlock Holmes: “Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” This is obviously a simple process. First, we eliminate religions which disagree with our attributes of God (One, spiritual, infinite, eternal, and Creator). Now, we move to speculation. While these are speculative specifications, they do have logical basis, so heed them. Ch 31 Of Availability First, you must select a religion that is available to you. Though this is an obvious fact, we cannot deny its presentation. Quite simply, why should you believe in a religion which, if it be correct, you cannot be a part of? Therefore, restrict your choices to religions which do not object to your entry. Ch 32 Of the Afterlife and Punishment and Reward It is obviously true that the afterlife cannot be proven by logic or observation. Therefore, it must be an assumption. Quite simply, we should accept the afterlife because it provides incentive. What is the point of being righteous if you will not be rewarded for you righteousness? (Also, it is often doubted that all rewards for righteousness are found in this world.) Therefore, this afterlife must contain reward for the followers. Also, non-followers must be punished for their lack of righteousness. Why? Once again, we turn to the incentive argument. If an atheist does not follow a religion (which is correct) and there is either no punishment in the afterlife or no afterlife, he has no incentive to change and accept this religion. Ch 33 Of Consistency The final criteria is consistency. If there are obvious inconsistencies in any theory, it is rejected, so it must be with religions. Ch 34 In Summary I have now set forth the principles of religion which we will seek and the attributes of God which must be certain. Therefore, my next part will turn to a religion which fits my criteria: Christianity. Part VI |
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