Is There No God? Part II
I did some more reading on this and came up with some actual names for my views :)…
I also do not believe in a God that ‘interferes’ or ‘intervenes’ with our world, with this universe we live in. I believe the universe was at one point ’switched on’ by ’something’ based on a set of rules that I like to call science. And in my life I hope to be able to reveal more of those rules as an astronomer. Not because I want to break the rules, but because I feel a lot of things are more beautiful when we know how they work.
I just found out that this view apparently shares some ideas with ‘Deism’ and the ‘Clockmaker hypothesis’.
“Deism has become identified with the classical belief that God created but does not intervene in the world, though this is not a necessary component of deism.” - Wikipedia on ‘Deism’
“The Clockmaker hypothesis is a tenet of deism that states that some higher power, such as God, created the universe (for example, in the Big Bang) and then stepped aside after the moment of creation. According to this hypothesis, since the creation of the universe, God has not interfered with its inner workings in any manner; instead, the universe has been left to its own devices.” - Wikipedia on the ‘Clockmaker hypothesis’
Now that I’m thinking of it… I believe this is partially why I liked the Star Wars movies ;)… ‘The Force’ is a really good comparison with my views on ‘God’. Something ethereal and not scientific that provided the first breath for our universe and in which we are now soaked.
And apparently this view shares some ideas with ‘Naturalistic Pantheism’:
“Naturalistic pantheism believes in an unconscious, non-sentient universe, which, while being holy and beautiful, is seen as being a God in a non-traditional and impersonal sense.” - Wikipedia on ‘Naturalistic Pantheism’
Here’s a quote from Carl Sagan that I found on Wikipedia which I find very interesting because this is exactly what I’ve unconsciously been looking for all my life, and it shows exactly why I want to be an astronomer.
“A religion old or new, that stresses the magnificence of the universe as revealed by modern science, might be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by the conventional faiths. Sooner or later, such a religion will emerge.” - Carl Sagan in ‘Pale Blue Dot’ (1994)
Wikipedia further said about this quote:
While Sagan never described himself as a pantheist, many maintain that pantheism fit his views better than any other term. This claim, while widely accepted among pantheists of all varieties, remains somewhat controversial outside the pantheist community. A similar debate surrounds the attribution of pantheism to other notable figures, including Albert Einstein.” - Wikipedia in ‘Pantheism’
Interesting… Very interesting… Any thoughts? How do you people feel about God? I have the feeling you guys all turn silent on me, whenever ‘religion’ comes up… :P
Tijl Kindt
heh, we sure don’t mean to make you feel abandoned, my dear friend. It’s mostly that you’re so much better better at putting your mind (or heart) into words than the rest of us. It’s really great that you’re finding out about all this, since it is very important, and it’s also very good that you’ve begun to explore the “religious” side of your self openmindedly.
It’s an endless path of growth and knowledge you’re on, and I’m infinitely happy for you that you’re on it.
January 29th, 2006 at 15:56
Hmm… okay :). Well, don’t be afraid to write something about religion, even if you don’t think you’re good at putting your mind into words…
I’m glad to be walking this path as well, btw :).
January 29th, 2006 at 17:14
I think I have the same argument InkRose has; converting this content in written words is more difficult for me (us) than for you. However, without any objective arguments but more with “gut feeling”, I go a long way parallel with your thoughts….
Boef
January 31st, 2006 at 14:38
The book I am reading has a section on deism and how it compares to Reformed Christianity (what I believe). It’s actually where I heard the word deism from so that I knew that was the word you were looking for. It could take awhile to type out the section but I can do that if you like. It might make some interesting reading. Or I could try to summarize it in a few paragraphs. As soon as I read it I thought of what you were saying on this subject earlier, about what you believe so far.
Anyway if you would be willing to listen to me,let me know.
February 1st, 2006 at 10:31
Hmm… I don’t know about other people, but for me I’ve always believed in the existence of God/Higher Being.. and I think its safe to say that I’ve passed the phase of thinking about God/religion/universe and I’m content with what I choose to believe. I stayed away from any further comments when you started this journey, because I believe that you should be free to decide and find whatever suits you, because I firmly believe that what we believe is a very personal thing since we search deep in our souls for it, and I would think it means different things to different ppl even for those ppl of the same faith.
But I do have a small request, that you do not allow “religion” to change you too much… I think “religion” should be complimentary to what is already in your soul. ;)
February 3rd, 2006 at 4:36
Bahh.. i forgot to put in my name for that earlier post :P Sorry about that.. its been awhile since I’ve visited your blog :P
[EDIT] fixed it for you, noodle ;). - Quicky
February 3rd, 2006 at 4:37
I know you as a wise person who doesn’t say things needlessly, noodle :). So I’m inclined to take your comment as a warning of a worried friend… In what way do you feel I might be allowing ‘religion’ to change myself too much?
February 3rd, 2006 at 9:57