The Answer to Doubt and Skepticism
Intellectual Righteousness presents a logical argument for an Infinite Origin of all that is finite, uses the foundational reference point for defining values and proving equations as an example for context, and insists the Universal Origin is worthy of the highest esteem. While the logic is sound and consistent with what we have reason to believe, there are no words that can compel acceptance.
There will be plenty of opportunity to misinterpret meanings and ignore key points that dismantle your rebuttals. Is this an exchange of ideas or contest of wills? Can you put your views side by side with what will be expressed and be an objective judge on what is reasonable?
If you cannot, there is no need to go further. No amount of sensible reasoning can change your mind. If you want to explore what logic can reveal concerning the concept of God, I invite you to an understanding that is basic but defies expectation.
Focus on What is Certain
There are many differences and nuances in the various monotheistic religions, but the uniting belief is God is the creator of all. By definition, the creator would not be made of or depending on the created. While people debate over who or what God is, we still haven’t established the universe needs a creator.
The law of conservation can be used to imply matter and energy have always been. Space and time can be measured but are considered infinite. The way the law is presented, along with the conflation of potential and actual infinity, creates the illusion that the universe has no origin.
Instead of focusing on our gaps in knowledge and assuming anything is possible within them, let’s concentrate on what we can be certain of, which makes those gaps irrelevant. It is extremely difficult to conceptualize a reality beyond perception and imagination, so the typical cosmological arguments begin within those bounds.
Rather than getting caught up in complex concepts that complicate comprehension, apply the law of non-contradiction to the situation. Something cannot be finite and infinite. It is impossible to supply finite evidence of the infinite. There is no way to define or describe the infinite with finite values or concepts. The infinite has no finite attributes.
That means everything that can be measured at all, even if it is just in part from our perspective, must be finite and could not have always been. Potential infinity refers to an ongoing process with no end in sight, but it is mistakenly equated with actual infinity because both appear limitless. Actual infinity is unchanging and immeasurable. It has no limits. Potential infinity is indefinite because we are unable to determine its limits. It is still finite and has a beginning.
The evidence the law of conservation is based upon clearly shows matter and energy have no power to create or destroy. Assuming it means matter and energy are eternal is a by product of not being able to perceive or imagine a reality without matter or energy. Our cognitive limitations and gaps in knowledge do not justify the contradictory claim that something infinite can have finite attributes.
Zero and the Infinite Origin
Since anything finite could not have always been and it is impossible to act prior to existence, whatever can be measured must have an origin that cannot be measured. Without beginning, end, or method to describe the origin in finite terms; the “knowable” attributes for the creator would be none. The parallel between the infinite origin and zero explains why an insignificant, easily overlooked value serves as the foundational reference point for defining all value and proving all equations.
We normally think of zero as nothing and find reason to dismiss it as non-existent or belittle it as just a placeholder, but the reality it holds a place for is the foundation of existence. It would be unreasonable to assume that the only mathematical value with no correlation to reality is also the one upon which all others are based.
It is true. Zero has no value and can represent emptiness. Its alternative uses do not impact its role as the foundational reference point. Upon discovery, we realized we had been using zero implicitly all along, even without awareness. All measurement begins with a first, which means there must have previously been none. This applies universally—without exception.
You may attempt to find an exception within the unknown, but doing so only highlights a desire to resist clarity rather than embrace it. Instead of clinging to our gaps in knowledge so that anything is possible, embrace what we know so we can have reason that supports what we believe.
The Analogy that Understands God
The law of non-contradiction points to the necessity of an infinite origin of the finite. By definition, such a reality defies description. Fortunately, the most objective system for describing reality is based on a reference point that mirrors the creator: zero.
Your objections rely on gaps in knowledge and cognitive limitations to cast doubt on what we already know. If we can’t be certain of anything, we wouldn’t be able to have shared experiences. Your reservations will amount to the tendency to personify. While being able to relate to God can be more comforting with our emotions and morals, our virtues cannot be separated from our vices and limitations. Your negative perception of zero makes its comparison to God unsettling. Its alternative uses do not negate zero’s need as a foundational reference point for defining value and proving equations.
Understanding this concept does not require extensive education or complicated concepts. If you understand basic algebra, the analogy: God is to reality what zero is to math should make things clear. What zero is to place value or what zero is to reality are irrelevant. What zero is to math is an easily overlooked but essential constant that was implicitly used prior to its discovery.
Whether you think of God as a supreme being or an object of worship, zero in math is an appropriate example to give us some context and understanding. The creator is worthy of higher esteem than anything created or imagined, and the same people who originally personified God would also tend to personify celestial bodies and forces of nature.
With this analogy, applying academic ideas we accepted without relation to theology to God becomes possible. Zero as illustrated on the number line has unique qualities and roles. The reality zero holds a place for shares those traits. With this much certainty and clarity, there is no reason to wallow in confusion and contradiction. Explore the unseen constant of existence. God is to reality what zero is to math.
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