How Things Work: A Brief History of Reality
BOOK II: The Power of Three (Science & Religion) – Consideration #77. "Communicating Traditional Religious Concepts"
Be A Part of the Conversation!
Tuesday April 4, 2023
“God has no religion.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
PREFACE
Welcome Everybody!
One of the main distinctions between science and religion is that science is communicated through mathematics and religion is communicated through words and subjective experience. Mathematics is an “eternal” form of communication that does not change over time; the mathematics used by Pythagoras is the same mathematics used today. Numbers mean the same thing now that they did then; there is no denotation or connotation that has been lost through “time.” However, language is not an eternal form of communication and drastically changes in both denotation and connotation over time, particularly very long periods of time.
“…a2+b2=c2 has not changed at all since Pythagoras.”
For example, the connotation for a2+b2=c2 has not changed at all since Pythagoras. However, as previously considered, Kant changes the connotation of Jesus’ “Golden Rule” by changing it from a “positive” to a “negative” expression of Reality; transforming it essentially from “do” unto others what you want them “to do” to you, to “do not” do unto others anything you would “not want done” to you.
“This opens the door for confusion, miscommunication, and misinterpretation…”
Although essentially the same point, unlike mathematics, these linguistic changes can affect theological denotation and connotation! This opens the door for confusion, miscommunication, and misinterpretation, all adding to the challenges of attempting to communicate the subjective experience known as, the spiritual paradigm.
In addition, the direct meaning and denotation of words change over time as well. For example, the simple designation of “Mankind” now has a negative connotation compared to a more currently appropriate designation such as “Humanity.” A word such as “gay” that once meant “extremely happy” or “extremely merry” now means “homosexual.” This kind of thing happens all the time in language. Even more so, pertaining to religious language. Language is a very fluid form of communication.
“…when dealing with history and the past, it is sometimes critical to reference and utilize the language of the past.”
Our current “pronoun dilemma” makes discussing ancient concepts related to past considerations regarding God and faith even more challenging. For example, some might find referencing God with the pronoun “He,” or even the use of pronouns at all, offensive! However, when dealing with history and the past, it is sometimes critical to reference and utilize the language of the past.
“…talking about religion is very dangerous!”
Unlike science, religion, and its language, are essentially subjective. Which means that “talking” about religion is very dangerous! This is one reason, despite its substantial influence and consequence in our reality, we tend not to utilize it as a general topic of discussion or conversation. Therefore, it is helpful not to turn references utilizing “past language” into a kind of “present dogma.” This is important because by understanding the context of the past we gain important information and knowledge about our present.
“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.”
– Marcus Tullius Cicero
Keeping this in mind, our discussion is simply a “consideration” of the spiritual paradigm, not a blueprint. I am in no way attempting to tell you what the truth about the spiritual paradigm is; only to have a conversation about its impact and effect on our past history; and our current reality.
“You can not understand Western Civilization, or Western Reality, without a basic acknowledgment and understanding of the Biblical narrative.”
So, come as you are. Keep what you want. Accept, or reject, what you will. Changing your mind or opinion is not my concern or intention. Just some things to think about and consider in regard to a more total, or complete, understanding of our current Reality. You can not understand Western Civilization, or Western Reality, without a basic acknowledgment and understanding of the Biblical narrative.
CONSIDERATION #77 – Communicating Traditional Religious Concepts
Science communicates directly through mathematics. Religion communicates indirectly through words designed to guide you toward the self-recognition of truth through direct experience. Numbers are eternal. Words and language are not. Words, and their meaning, change over time; just as metaphors and analogies are lost over time. Add the challenge of translating ancient text into modern language when communicating about spiritual concepts and it becomes even more enigmatic.
“…words and language are just fingers pointing to the moon…”
In spiritual communication, words and language are just fingers pointing to the moon; try not to see them as anything else. The point of a story or parable does not lie in its syntax, or politically correct word-choice, but in its revelation regarding spiritual principles. Words and language are secondary to understanding and experience; try not to put new wine into old wineskins.
The main point of these spiritual considerations is to clearly communicate a long series of complicated theological traditions in the most simple, understandable, and efficient way possible. The use of “non-politically correct” thoughts or words, such as God, or even pronouns, is not meant to be offensive or determinative in any way. These pronouns have been used for literally centuries in the context of these stories, and it would be essentially impossible to tell them, or comment on them, in any efficient or meaningful manner if they were eliminated.
“The ‘being’ God has no more gender than electricity does.”
In addition, pronouns related to God as masculine, such as He, are not meant to infer actual gender. It is not only traditional; it helps keep you on track in the story. The “being” God has no more gender than electricity does. The reference to God the Father, for example, has more to do with the mystical, or metaphysical, implication of masculine energy, such as in the Holy Trinity, than it does about gender.
The spiritual paradigm is not a physical context, therefore, physical attributes such as gender are not applicable. However, much like in quantum physics, when we talk about metaphysical concepts using words, we do the best we can; there is no perfection in language. So, do not be offended by the pronoun, He, for example. Feel free to replace it with “She,” or the pronoun of your choice. Or no pronoun at all. There is no gender in the experience of God. Try not to get caught up in the meaningless misdemeanors that can keep you from learning greater truths that you may not have considered.
“A consideration of the past is not an advocation for the realities of the past…”
Also, we see the changes in our current reality through the comparison of previous realities. A consideration of the past is not an advocation for the realities of the past, only the respect of recognition. If we are evolving, our conception and perception of reality should also evolve with us. However, just because we have evolved, doesn’t mean the past wasn’t important or didn’t matter. Or, most importantly, that it didn’t have an impact or effect on our current reality.
We are connected to “their” ideas about reality just as future generations will be connected and affected by “our” ideas about reality. They will evolve from our “current” understanding; however, they would not have “their” perceptions of reality without “ours.” Just as we would not have our ideas and perceptions about reality without the past perceptions of those who came before us. As we look deeper into the nature of Reality the one thing that becomes more and more self-evident is that, in many ways; Reality is not a static experience.
POSTSCRIPT
Until recently, speculation related to the spiritual paradigm had no “practical value” in the empirical world of science. However, that is changing. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence, questions related to consciousness, the mind, and the soul, have become pragmatic considerations regarding what Artificial Intelligence is, and what it could be in the future.
Just last week, a letter was published by more than 1,000 hitech professionals urging an “immediate” pause in the development of Artificial Intelligence:
“Should we let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth? ... Should we develop nonhuman minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, obsolete and replace us?” the letter asked, saying “such decisions must not be delegated to unelected tech leaders.”
– Jyoti Narayan, Krystal Hu, Martin Coulter and Supantha Mukherjee – Elon Musk and others urge AI pause, citing 'risks to society' (Reuters)
Although not yet at the point of creating life, human beings are on the verge of creating artificial consciousness, or intelligence. One of the key questions in this new area of scientific expertise involves whether true artificial intelligence leads to the development of a new kind of artificial “mind,” or “soul.”
“If ‘machines’ can develop a mind, can they develop a soul?”
As artificial intelligence evolves, will it evolve a mind of its own? Will that “mind” be different from our “mind” and how? If “machines” can develop a mind, can they develop a soul? Would a machine also develop a “moral conscience” of its own? How would a machine deal with morality and moral choices? Would a machine recognize the difference between good and evil? How are all these questions connected to the concept of individual identity and free will?
These once esoteric metaphysical questions have now become practical considerations in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The problem is that rational concepts such as consciousness, mind, and soul have always been “rational” abstract concepts; we have never attempted to understand or implement them empirically outside of a “rational” religious context. Perhaps, because we have still not resolved them at the rational level of reality. However, with the birth of Quantum Mechanics and the Digital Revolution, the time, and need, for such a resolution has come.
“We are now in a position in which finding a solution to the ‘mind-body’ paradox is crucial in moving forward as a species.”
For perhaps the first time since Descartes, the metaphysics of mathematics and theology begin to merge into a single “non-divided” unity of Rational Abstraction existing beyond the limits and restrictions of empiricism and rationalism. We are now in a position in which finding a solution to the “mind-body” paradox is crucial in moving forward as a species. We must find a way of moving beyond the rational and empirical limitations of the past, by transcending the illusion of duality between the metaphysics of science and religion.
However, to transcend the past, you have to know and understand the past.
Next week we will begin to consider the Judeo-Christian Narrative related to its affect and influence on Western culture, theology, philosophy, metaphysics, politics, science, reason, faith, morality, and ethics.
Expand the Conversation by Upgrading to “Reality by a Thread!”
This Week on “The Thread”…
•Untangling the Knots of Reality Podcast #42: Free Online Video Course Preview – (“Substack Now Has Video! So, we will start using it to preview the new Online Course. Lesson Two, “Preface: Reality, what a concept!,” lays out a framework for a consideration that human beings are naturally curious animals that have the capacity to “change” their reality.” )
•Reality by a Thread Discussion Thread: Preview of Book VI: “The Rational Mind” (“The critical point isn’t whether we should, or shouldn’t, continue developing Artificial Intelligence at our current rate; it’s that we are currently actively developing Artificial Intelligence! Right now!! Not some time in the near future; today!!! This is no longer science fiction; it is empirical fact!!!! What does it mean, and how will it affect our Reality?...”)
•FREE PDF Download of Book IV: “The Cosmic Symphony – Overtones of String Theory” plus other Free Books, Discounts and Benefits.
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ENTANGLEMENTS 1-14 (Original Transcripts of the First 14 Podcasts)
These books are not designed to tell you what the truth about Reality is, only to help you consider and explore the long evolution of thought that has brought us to our present awareness. To elevate the conversation about the big picture in a thoughtful, reasonable, and respectful manner. Something not often encountered on today’s social media platforms. In a nutshell, I wrote these books to help us understand each other better, in addition to our individual and collective responsibility in creating the Reality that we now experience. And the Reality we want to experience in the future.
If you find yourself growing tired of the same old meaningless fluff, this may be the Podcast you’ve been looking for!
Podcast #1 – A Lot of Explaining
Podcast #2 – Untangling Mathematics & Metaphors
Podcast #3 – Untangling the Garden of Eden
Podcast #4 – Untangling The Physical World
Podcast #5 – Untangling the Five Senses
Podcast #6 – Untangling Eastern & Western Dualism
Podcast #7 – Untangling Zen & the Shaolin Temple
Podcast #8 – Untangling the Mystery of Taoism
Podcast #9 – Untangling The Noble Eightfold Path
Podcast #10 – Untangling Plato's Realm of Forms
Podcast #11 – Untangling Aristotle's Metaphysics
Podcast #12 – Untangling Happiness & Virtues
Podcast #13 – Untangling Self-Evident Truths
Podcast #14 – Untangling The Cosmic Symphony
“Untangling the Knots of Reality – Be A Part of the Conversation!”