I just listened to Bart Erhman, a biblical scholar (who I find very honest and knowledgeable as a thinker)... as he explained why he no longer believes in a Higher Intelligence (God). I then listened to another expert on Consciousness who said similar (he doesn't know what 'consciousness' is) yet he views 'consciousness' as fundamental. This has led me to desire to write about my view of reality on these difficult issues of reality. Why do I differ with these two thinkers even as I understand why they believe as they do?
First of all, I must admit that I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING with certainty (as of NOW). My view of reality is that I live in the NOW (always) and as I reflect on reality (in the NOW) I end up with uncertainty on nearly all issues of belief. This leads to to the conclusion that 'assumptions' are key to all descriptions of reality. I must continually ASSUME ideas which are UNCERTAIN (even as I contemplate their reality in the NOW). I understand that thinkers will differ on many issues of reality since all is 'subjective' at the core!
So why do I believe (NOW) in a Higher Intelligence (God)? Let me give some reasons for thinkers to contemplate:
1. I witness a dual reality when I think about my daily experiences (in the NOW). This dual reality relates to my understanding of MATTER (the material realm) and my understanding of IDEAS (the immaterial realm). MATTER (for me) is all that I observe (outside myself). I view MATTER as everything that I observe (and discover) as I live my life in the NOW. MATTER is that which is 'outside' my consciousness (my inner self). Matter (that which I observe/discover) is different from immaterial IDEAS (words of the mind).
2. This duality of reality (matter/consciousness) leads me to the conclusion that there MUST BE a Higher Consciousness which gives me my consciousness. Did I create my own 'consciousness' (inner self/life)? I don't think so! I must conclude that I was born with 'consciousness' and then I evolved my ideas (from 'consciousness') as I lived my life (in the NOW). This leads me to the viewpoint that a HIGHER consciousness is a reality. I do not KNOW this but this ASSUMPTION seems highly plausible as I live my life AT EFFECT.
3. Bart Erhman says he was a believer for most of his life but he now thinks that his prior beliefs were mistaken. His viewpoint has changed due to all the 'human suffering' which he views as a reality on this planet. He now believes that there is no GOD and no after life which continues after one dies. He now calls himself an Atheist/Agnostic. He has rejected the idea of a Higher Intelligence which 'intervenes' in our world system as he thinks 'suffering' would diminish (cease) if there was a Higher Source in charge of this world. God would 'intervene' (he now thinks) if this was a reality. Does he have a valid view?
4. My view is that suffering is part of God's plan for his people (his creation). There must be opposites if man (you and I) are to grow and develop spiritually and intellectually over time. There must be both 'good' and 'evil' for mankind to experience so that a Higher Wisdom can develop within the human experience over time. In other words, God (our Higher Intelligence), has designed our world so that his PLAN for the ages is accomplished. That is my perspective. Even as I must admit that my assumptions are my subjective ideas on this subject. I certainly do not KNOW anything with absolute finality on any of these issues of life. I must experience life, develop assumptions, and then act on my assumptions as I live my life.
5. Consciousness is key to my viewpoint on the reality of a spiritual dimension to life. For me, consciousness is fundamental to life and ideas derived from consciousness are key to beliefs about reality in the NOW. My sense is that my 'ideas' (words) are derived from my inner self (consciousness). If valid, then I would assume that my 'words' are part of this spiritual realm which is beyond myself/yourself. Words, in other words, are derived phenomena and 'words' are ultimately derived from a HIGHER SOURCE (intelligence). Words prove (to me) that I live in TWO realms. Dualism is reality for me. It is obvious to me. But I must still call my viewpoint subjective...and my derivations are always uncertain to some degree. As Socrates said: I know that I know nothing with finality. Wisdom says that I derive reality from my ASSUMPTIONS. And 'assumptions' are always uncertain to some degree!
6. I fully understand the viewpoint of Agnostics and Atheists (my son calls himself an Atheist) but I must DIFFER with these thinkers when I live my life in the NOW. I discern the reality of living AT EFFECT (continually). I am not the CAUSE of my reality or my life experiences. I live continually AT EFFECT and this presumes that a CAUSE (other and beyond myself) is at play. A HIGHER INTELLIGENCE is in charge even as I can not KNOW this reality (nor prove this reality). It's my ASSUMPTION, however. Yes, suffering is a problem on this planet. Confusion is a problem on this planet. Deception is a problem on this planet. It's all part of growing into a higher spiritual being (over time). That is MY current ASSUMPTION!
7. Those who reject God and a Higher Intelligence do so (generally) because many can not discern that this CAUSE intervenes in our world system over time. Personally, I sense this 'intervention' when I reflect on the history of my own life (and the history of our world society). I have many experiences which have led me to this conclusion. As I write this missive I sense that our world is heading for a major calamity. I also sense that this calamity is PART of a plan which is being revealed to mankind (daily). It's part of an 'intervention' which is designed, planned, and determined. I can not PROVE this but I sense that this is valid thinking! In my view, Bart Erhman is deceived on his rejection of a Higher Intelligence. But I do understand his viewpoint and reasoning...even as I REJECT this conclusion of reality (for me). There is a PLAN being worked out and the POTTER is the CAUSE!
Conclusion: Reality on this planet is obviously SUBJECTIVE. Thinkers differ on nearly all issues of life, history, and our future (because all is subjective at the core). Thinkers discern reality from their personal subjective viewpoint. I do likewise. This means that NONE of us KNOWS reality (fully or completely). We discern reality from our life experiences (in the NOW) and then ASSUME ideas which seem valid and plausible. This leaves us with 'uncertainty' on most issues of life. It's all part of a Higher Plan!
I ASSUME that a Higher Intelligence is ruling this planet (and our entire universe). My study and research leads me to the viewpoint that the God of Israel is actually our Potter, Creator, King, Higher Intelligence. This Source (which I call my Higher Consciousness) rules this planet and all the 8 billion citizens currently living on this planet. The Ukraine War situation is part of this Rulers plan. The American political dysfunctions are part of this Rulers plan. The world political confusions and deceptions are part of this Rulers plan. Every event is part of this Rulers plan! That is my ASSUMPTION! That is my Worldview!
So where is this 'intervention' that Bart and others reject as not happening? I say they misinterpret reality. Intervention is continual (and it happens daily) and I sense that it has been happening for nearly 6,000 years. The PLAN of our Higher Intelligence is to bring us the KINGDOM AGE (down the road). We are heading for the KINGDOM AGE as I write. All events (positive and negative) lead us to this final outcome. I sense that this is happening even as I can not KNOW that this is happening. All my conclusions are derived from ASSUMPTIONS. Think for yourself to discern these realities. Have a great day!
I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com.
http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com
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