I often get criticized by my bibilically inclined brethren about my supposed ignorance of the Bible. "Have you read the whole Bible?" they ask, as if somehow devoting the next 4-6 weeks of my life to reading their ancient scripts are going to miraculously change my world view. Then again, I guess they do believe in miracles ....
In any event, just because I prefer to spend my time reading more illuminating material than the Bible, it is only fair that I devote some space to the "Good Book". As a result, from time to time, I will provide you with some highlights from the best-selling work by the supposed creator of the universe.
Today's snippet is from Isaiah 45:7 which reads:
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” [my emphasis]
Of course, the existence of evil presents a big (I would say insurmountable) problem for those who believe in God. At least, to be fair, the big guy/girl/thing takes credit for creating it.
On June 9, 2007, Stephen Law appeared on Philosophy Bites to discuss The Problem of Evil and I highly recommend listening to that podcast which can be downloaded from ITunes or from the following link:
I am going to venture into this one.
ReplyDeleteAgain the assumption of this entire argument is that "God", "Allah" actually gives a shit.
People, stop thinking he cares, acording to my faith he unleashed all this shit. God is not a "good" or "bad" god, he just "is". Those who choose to believe in a greater power can have some personal benefit as long as it does not encroach another's personal space. Based on this view of mine, I found the Stephen Law discussion absolutely off base almost juvenile.
The Bible is not the word of God, just a newspaper, the assumption that he blesses the content is crazy.
The commandments are how the past society were told to conduct themselves with the knowledge and science of the day to avoid associated social ill effects. I have no issue with these commandments and is also shared with Islam. We have come a long way with regards to medicines, women's position in the modern world and the like, so things like eating pig or shellfish etc. are mute today.
I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the Bible.
ReplyDeleteAs far as believing in a greater power, I agree that it is likely benign. I just don't see how such a belief can, in truth, be anything more than an intriguing conjecture. However, even Einstein wasn't immune from this kind of secular spirituality when he wrote:
"One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries to comprehend only a little of this mystery every day."; and
"My religiosity consists of a humble admiration of the infinitely superior spirit that reveals itself in the little that we can comprehend of the knowable world. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.”
Source: The Expanded Quotable Einstein, Princeton University Press 2000 by Alice Calaprice, pp. 219 and 281
Law's article is targeting the irrationality of mainstream Christianity which is well deserving of far more impolite ridicule than Law's logical thrashing.
Bravo, for your knowledge of Einstein's motivation behind all his work!
ReplyDeleteSo now we can see that "atheist" in "Atheist Missionary" is perhaps an overstatement. Rather you are opposed to organized religion and their grip on the mindless.
Yes, organized religion is my primary target. Sprirituality in and of itself (however that may be defined by a particular individual) does not, in my opinion, pose a threat to the survival of our civilization.
ReplyDeleteFor those who may be interested in what inspires my spritual awe, just google "nebula" and check out the photographs on wikipedia - they are awesome.
What about disorganized religion, like Thomas Cruise and his scientologist compatriots? I trust you find that equally if not more offensive.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a betting man (and I am), I would say that Tom Cruise's publicist went looking for the wackiest religion he could find and signed his client up. Much like faith healers, I think that religions like Scientology are "God's gift" to atheism.
ReplyDelete