Under the Influence?

Reading over Time magazine's May 15,2007 edition today, I saw the story on Richard Dawkins.


Yeah, I know, it's November 2007 already. Hey, I don't get out a lot, and I read Time magazine even less than that. Just so happened today, that I had a little down-time and a copy of Time. For those of us with an interest in things theological, we can't just look the other way when a prominent atheist weighs in. Can't remember off the top of my head if I ever read one of Dawkins' books or scientific articles, but I have read books by Behe, who wrote the Time piece on Dawkins. Behe's written some interesting stuff for non-technical readers.


I have the disadvantage of having an undergraduate education in the physical sciences. It was a course of study that I found very enjoyable, yet leads me to believe that, by and large, the general population is scientifically illiterate. The public seems to want to believe that just because someone with a PhD comments, that their statements are, by default, scientific. Sorry, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I've seen some of the silliest comments made by specialists outside the area of their expertise. It's not all that hard to stick your foot in your mouth - no PhD required.


So, I'll come right out and say it, atheism has nothing to do with science. Dawkins wrote a book, mentioned in the Time article, 'The G-d Delusion', from which I've only read excerpts. So, I can't comment directly about what is written in the book, only about atheism. Atheism and theism are theological concepts, not biological concepts. Neither can be proven or disproven in the lab. Atheism, however, is the more implausible position, if you are truly a rational person. There is a huge amount of ink spilled on the subject. Over time, I'll lay out my position, just for the record.


When you say, I am an atheist, you are saying, There is no G-d. It is obvious, on the face of it, that the statement cannot be proven. It's nothing more than an opinion. Because of that simple fact, some choose to go the way of agnosticism, and say, I cannot know whether there is a G-d or not. Agnosticism is the more intellectually honest position for the unbeliever. When someone admits to me that they are an atheist, I immediately get out my baloney detector. Either they are theologically uninformed or they are pulling my leg.


One big problem with theology, or as some say,'religion', is the same as politics -- wrapped up in the center is alot of emotional filler. It's too bad really. But I know how my wife is when I bring up certain subjects, just as she knows where my hot buttons are. Some topics are just charged with emotion. Just mention the budget. Adults should be able to set aside some of the emotion, and make a rational examination of the ideas that they believe. Right? Riiight!


Karl Marx is known for the quote that religion 'is the opiate of the people'. Religion and myth lie at the very heart and soul of what we believe as a culture. Are we smokin' crack or is there a more wholesome influence to direct us? Another way to put it is, Do we just want to believe what makes us feel good or are there benefits to be had in beliefs that make us feel less comfortable?


As I see it, at issue here is the concept of myth, also known as magical thinking. Down through history, myth has been the driving factor in civilizations.There has always been a desire to see things in a way that makes us feel good about ourselves, instead of seeing things as they really are. It's part of human vanity. It appeals to the theist as well as the atheist. Somewhere down the line, I want to explore some of the popular myths that are driving modern American culture into the ditch. Somewhere at the top of my list is the notion of 'equality'. There is no such thing as equality except maybe in the realm of mathematics. It's a myth. Besides, didn't the failure of communism over the past generation show for all the world to see, that there can be no equals in a social-political structure. There always has to be a pecking order, or a hierarchy. It's human nature/vanity. It has nothing to do with logic and reason, no
matter what Marx may choose to believe.


The Apostle Paul in the book of Romans had something to say along these lines. Modern America is a lot like ancient Rome. Read the book of Romans if you don't believe me. The Apostle Paul was a devout religious Jew, before conversion. He did not feel at home with Roman society. What I see in the book of Romans is the simple fact that mankind has not evolved in the sense that modern secular humanists would have us believe. People have not changed a bit in over 2000 years. We possess the same qualities as ever.


Rom 1:21 Because, having the knowledge of G-d, they did not give glory to G-d as G-d, and did not give praise, but their MINDs were full of foolish things, and their hearts, being without sense, were made dark.


1:28 And because they had not the MIND to keep G-d in their knowledge, G-d gave them up to an evil MIND, to do those things which are not right;


2:15 Because the work of the law is seen in their hearts, their sense of right and wrong giving witness to it, while their MINDs are at one time judging them and at another giving them approval;


7:19 For the good which I have a MIND to do, I do not: but the evil which I have no MIND to do, that I do.


7:20 But if I do what I have no MIND to do, it is no longer I who do it, but the sin living in me.


7:21 So I see a law that, though I have a MIND to do good, evil is present in me.


7:23 But I see another law in my body,working against the law of my MIND, and making me the servant of the law of sin which is in my flesh.

7:25 I give praise to G-d through Jesus Christ our Lord. So with my MIND I am a servant to the law of G-d, but with my flesh to the law of sin.

12:2 And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in MIND, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of G-d.

12:8 He who has the power of comforting, let him do so; he who gives, let him give freely; he who has the power of ruling, let him do it with a serious MIND; he who has mercy on others, let it be with joy.


Notice that there is a conflict between what the mind or intellect knows is right, and the desire of the sinful human heart. The mind can be harnessed to arrive at a logical conclusion, but the heart longs for something else -- the way of myth that appeals to human vanity.


Don't confuse technological advance with evolution. Technology advances in a normal way with the growth of population and subsequent specialization of labor. This factor was overlooked by Malthus in the 1800's as it is being misunderstood today. The problem is NOT overpopulation, population growth is the solution. In looking for the cause of economic devastation, you won't find it there. Try looking at factors like belief systems, you know, popular myth and theology.


The heart of man remains the same. Ian Taylor wrote an interesting book 'In The Minds of Men'. I'd recommend it, whatever your persuasion on evolution, to see that there is a human tendency to prefer myth to reason.


On the Jesus Bus, we want to be sure that we are not under the influence of modern myth, but aware of the eternal truths of scripture. That will help us stay out of the ditch.