“I know something you don’t” says the Theist to the Atheist
I’ve been having an interesting conversation about the nature of God, Gnosticism and Atheism. Although my initial conclusion, namely that Agnosticism is the safest bet currently, still stands for me I always enjoy reading and hearing about other methods and viewpoints. Most certainly if those viewpoints are expressed with a calmth and kindness sadly not typical for the religious debate. It is when all parties make an honest and sincere attempt at reaching one another in a respectful manner that progress and mutual understanding can, finally, be obtained. Mockery and insult have no place in an adult sharing of perspective.
I have concluded for myself that Atheism, which profoundly asks for proof before accepting the notion, goes amiss in saying that God does not exist…itself having no proof for the claim. The burden of proof always resides with the person making the claim…but when one claim is negated through the use of another claim, there come to exist two parties that suffer the burden of proof. As the religious individual pointed out however, proof is more important to the Atheist than to the believer…who finds his solace in faith and nothing else.
I’m an Agnostic…or at least I try to be. When I encounter something I cannot prove or disprove the only reasonable stance, in my opinion, is to profess doubt. Where religion is a comfort zone, so is my doubt…for I have realized that doubt and a lack of understanding are alright. They are not particularly harmful to others and myself…as far as I can see…primarily because I do not impose on others my viewpoints.
And in this seeing lies the true point of the discussion, by the way. Man can only look as far as his own interpretation…and this interpretation is the result of processing information. The light, waves and countless other stimuli that reach our brains induce chemical processing. This processing ultimately induces a thought, feeling and analysis. That is interpretation and it’s that interpretation that we build on. Since we cannot look beyond our own interpretation it currently seems impossible for us to define whether or not we have obtained an ultimate truth…or that we have just reached the end of our own particular wits. That is the essence of progress. Where one person will fail to see further, it’s the job of the next individual to extend his vision. It is thus of supreme importance to record thoughts, feelings, findings and theories…should one be interested in such endeavors as enhancing the human condition.
On a side note…I would be exceptionally interested in, just once, becoming aware of the input as it is…rather than what my mind ultimately forces it to become. To see the light, rather than the object, to hear the waves, rather than the music. It would be utterly useless on a societal basis…but my fascination has been obtained none the less.
People share for different reasons. Some to further their own agenda and others because of their profound love for the fascinating little species that is mankind. I do not currently know to which I belong. My first interest is the pursuit of understanding itself…yet there is something that keeps motivating me to share my thoughts and ideas…even if there is typically strong opposition and pain clearly visible at the end of the tunnel. I am not sure why I do this…perhaps it’s love or perhaps it’s the need for recognition. Maybe it’s both.
I’m guessing it both. Yet, it is a relief to know that both motivations are secondary to my innate need to research and theorize. I am a conceptualizer. I work with concepts and typically come up with new ones, based on the premises (concepts used) This gives me great pleasure. And this pleasure, of course, is the top priority in my existence. To lead a happy life, in short.