Читать книгу A Philosophy for Today’s Changing World - R. B. Rowe - Страница 4

An initial look at the Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions shows that the core basis of these religions, is the insistence on the reliance on specific interpretations of historical records and texts, for their versions of the “revealed truth”. It is suggested here, that these inconclusive efforts are the main cause of the confusion now existing, in the search for an understanding of Mankind’s place in the Universe.

Other examples of misguided attitudes, that have had a bearing on today’s views are the former religious approvals of the Crusades with it’s attendant atrocities, the terrible tortures of the Spanish Inquisition, the religious wars in Britain – centuries ago – and the more recent atrocities in the Middle East and Europe.

All, apparently, in the name of God and the individual’s particular religion, but with little, or no progress – a kind of self imposed excommunication.

It is indisputable that the continuing usage of strict ancient interpretations of religious texts, written for the general understanding of the existing priesthood of the day, to indoctrinate illiterate people of those times – often many years after an event took place - is questionable. That these resurrected reports were, often, subjected to later translation errors, adds to the uncertainty factor

Of course, the problem with revealed truths is what to do when, later, it is found that a particular ’truth’ was not so infallible, after all, and it seems irrefutable that a religion founded on truths that are untrue, has to be in danger of irrelevancy. This leads to four observations:

First. A great deal of wasted effort has gone into trying to prove what has been acceptable and comfortable in the past, rather than examining the subject afresh, and making adjustments where necessary

Second.- most major religions or creeds tend to apportion human emotions to their representations of God, as a part of its beliefs, despite the complete lack of proof that this is so.

Third – in recent years, the degree to which religious support is given to seemingly, endless, and life threatening conflicts –in the name of God – to justify particular viewpoints. This is evident in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas – and is not specific to any particular religion or creed. The fact that this support is not strictly in accord with these religious teachings is conveniently overlooked.

Fourth – is the strong possibility that we are not alone in the Universe, and, if this is so, then confirmation of the existence of more advanced worlds will probably require us to re-evaluate and realign our beliefs, and many of our practices, where appropriate, in the light of new knowledge.

An example of the complexity involved in this last concept alone is, that, supposing we accept that there are, say, a hundred other planets in the Universe that can support intelligent lifeforms, and also accept that the Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions are true. Doesn’t this also mean that we may have to allow for the possibility that there may be many other versions of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic story in existence?

Each would be at a different stage of unfolding, development or fulfilment – some more or less advanced than our own version. Perhaps a different version than ours. More true? Each version will be just as true for it’s inhabitants.

So, does this mean that Truth is, or can be, a variable according to where we live, or our specific level of understanding?

If this is so then what makes our version of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic story , the correct one. Wouldn’t it be prudent to look afresh at our current spiritual development with this in mind? Which Man-made religion do you think meets with God’s approval and why do you think this is so? Just as importantly, how do you know? Are you relying on somebody else’s opinion?

Consider the following: It has to be agreed that religious views, such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam based on historical accounts, thousands of years old, have confused the issue, and, by continuing to use these translations, as the basis for our understanding, we are , in effect, still accepting the same inherent tribal limitations and enmities that existed at that time. It may well be that a composite of all three religious views are the answer to these uncertainties.

The suggestion that we have not advanced our thinking beyond this basis today, is quite unacceptable, and it is , now suggested here, that an alternative and universal view, or understanding of God’s presence, is possible if we use conjecture, based on today’s more factual approach

This requires that we should step aside from history, and look for a basis of understanding that has been evident and unchanging, since time began, to see if this can provide us with more certain views than before. The only basis of understanding, that is irrefutable, throughout the Universe, since the beginning of time, is provided by the study of energy, based on the Laws of Physics.

The Universe consists of stars and planets etc. many of which appear to be of solid construction similar to that of the Earth and the Moon, as confirmed by our recent visits to the Moon.

Mankind is also composed of these same elements, and the thought of the creation of “Life energy” and intelligent beings, such as Mankind for no purpose at all, seems to me to be illogical, and not in keeping with the overall concept of existence.

So what is Man’s purpose in living – it could be happen-stance – in which case, do we have to develop our own reason for existence, in order to justify this existence?

The answer to this question is unknown and will, probably, remain so for time to come, but a moment’s thought will confirm that there is a limit to Earth’s capacity to support a never-ending expansion of Mankind’s physical population. So, perhaps, ultimately, something, other than a physical existence, should be considered, as a logical part of the solution.

In my view, we have been given the temporary opportunity of appearing in a physical form, consisting of combinations of natural substances – all of them energy based - for the purpose of living on Earth, and will revert back to a basic spiritual energy status, at physical death.

A part of this dying process is the elimination of any extreme mental processes we have gathered as physical beings here on Earth - what point is there in these being carried forward automatically to a spiritual realm – they are no longer relevant.

But what about heaven and hell? Well, again, in my view, this is a local disciplinary reward factor, promoted here on Earth, to assist in the control of those who follow particular religious views. It’s not a consideration – unless you wish to accept it.

It should also be kept in mind that religious scriptures were written by Man to record some happening, of an apparently mysterious nature, in a way to demand interpretation. This allowed variations in beliefs to suit the individual in charge at that time, or at a later time, as shown by the numerous religions and “isms” in evidence today.

As a minor example, the story of Adam and Eve was introduced by St. Augustine in the fifth century, to provide a convenient and satisfactory explanation of Mankind’s origin. But, this imaginary exercise was not accepted by early orthodox Christian religions or, the Jewish traditions, as it was considered undesirable for the Scriptures to be read in this way.

The story is now considered to be a kind of religious folklore – not seriously accepted, or promoted, by officialdom, but allowed to be aired, on occasion, as a harmless viewpoint.

Now, because of its intensely personal nature, the decision about the existence of God can’t be decided for you, by others. You have to make this decision for yourself, probably requiring a degree of simple basic and personal introspection, based on facts, as much as possible, free from any artificial religious constraints.

Of course, reaching a decision can be assisted by a wide reading of philosophical views on the subject, but it must be understood that absolute confirmation is beyond the competence of language or logic. There is always an area of doubt, because of incomplete knowledge, but, it has to be the individual’s choice.

This book is a discussion of ideas, and endeavours to provide a combined general, philosophical and scientific viewpoint, based on today’s knowledge, that is subject to strict confirmation, rather than repeating outdated stories of the past that were suitable for their times, but are just that – stories from the past.

All of our views are shaped, firstly, by our education and, secondly, by our experience of life, and this duality of experience leads us to live in two worlds – an Outer world that is, largely, controlled by the rules of Science and Mathematics, i.e. the Laws of Physics, and an Inner world that is influenced by emotions, feelings, and imagination and the benefits of history..

However, these two worlds are bridged by Reason, and it should be kept in mind that without Reason, any discussion about the existence of God, becomes meaningless, as God’s identity could be decided, according to the individual’s personal choice, at any particular time – and changed just as easily. A chaotic and senseless proposition.

So, while the Laws of Physics can’t directly prove the existence of God, it may be considered, that, the evolving existence of these complex rules, based on absolute truths, could be considered as a kind of continuing and unfolding indirect proof that God exists. This, together, with Reason, acting as an interpreter or guide, furthers the discussion into the future.

There is no doubt that conclusions of the past were influenced by the political and living conditions existing, at that time, and, in many instances, force was used to impose “favoured” opinions on others.

On occasion, reliance was placed on fables, or wrongly assumed statements, or translations etc., but, with the benefit of today’s hindsight, we can see that these may have been in error.

But the important aspect today is not what others think, but what do you think? What reason do you have for thinking that God exists? Or not.

A viewpoint of the existence of God has to be based on personal conviction, with, or without, the aid of academic teaching, keeping in mind, the comments above and the willingness to think about these matters, in a meaningful way. Just as we are doing now.

In my view, the likelihood of God’s existence can be reasoned into being, using a “balance of probabilities” approach, but this requires that you become explorers and are brave enough to question and reject those things that are unreasonable, regardless of who said, or proposed them.

Keep in mind, that “a balance of probabilities” approach, for example, has to include the fact that - the concept of an intelligent life force (you and I) - requires a higher intelligence to conceive of it and to originate it. Isn’t this a basic and logical, indisputable part of the proof that God exists? It is self evident and can’t be disputed.

Remember, if something is true, it will be unchanging – if change is apparent, then either it’s not true, or, only true under some circumstances, and this needs to be recognised in terms of its importance to the matter as a whole.

This is not a new approach – you’ve been sorting out the facts of living all through your life, and if the truth is known, probably, on occasion, needed to do so, to stay alive and well.

The same reasoning process applies to any discussion on philosophical, or religious matters and, it should be kept in mind that being bound to a religion that promotes tenets, even historically accepted tenets, that are untrue, or doubtful, seems somewhat pointless. Above all you need to be true to yourself.

You may like to ponder on the thought that, as I see it, Science and Philosophy are two ends of the same subject – each with its own language – feeling their way toward each other at the middle.

At this meeting, a common language and understanding will emerge, and Mankind will have taken a great step forward in his understanding of his existence. Indeed, Truth is out there to be found, but requires the application of Reason and Faith, plus a touch of forbearance, to aid in the search.