A False Theological Dichotomy
The debate between atheism and theism seems like a waste of time. Theism doesn’t rely on logic, and atheism can’t be moved by appeals to faith. Where does that leave those who can’t find answers in either? At some point, we must be willing to explore why certain beliefs have mass appeal and how close they are to what’s real.
Theism begins its claim with assertions of a creator. The existence of a finite universe seems like obvious evidence of an infinite origin. Unfortunately, by definition, there is no way to assign finite traits or attributes to the infinite. Even though that would include imagination, our limit in cognition gets treated as an open invitation to imagine the impossible.
Imagining and personifying the universal origin contradicts the very nature of a creator. With no way to relate except through contradiction, rejection appears fairly easy to anyone who prides themselves on being reasonable. It may seem like a simple rejection makes no claim in and of itself, but rejecting the idea of a creator implies something contradictory as well.
Without a creator, the universe must have created itself or has always been. Since something must exist in order to do, it is impossible for something to create itself. To imply the universe has always been is to assert measurable things are in fact infinite. The law of non-contradiction points out the impossibility of an infinite universe.
This line of reasoning would lead you to believe both sides are wrong. Don’t resist it. Just like the comedic trope of two friends pursuing the same love interest through sabotage shows neither is deserving of that person’s affection, the typical atheism vs theism debate shows neither warrant your belief.
What should you believe?
That’s your choice. Accept what invites and endures your honest scrutiny. Instead of dwelling in our gaps of knowledge, let’s explore what we have no room to doubt without contradiction.
Anything measurable must have a beginning because in order to have a first of anything there must have previously been none. In the face of things we need for our cognition like space, time, matter, and energy; this can be hard to grasp. It is more reasonable to accept our limits in cognition than it is to believe contradictions are possible.
Without the ability to imagine or personify the creator, it is easy to assume there is no way to relate. Fortunately, we have a concept that has a role in math that mirrors the universal origin, zero. Its discovery came later in human history, and we learn it after years of arithmetic in our own development, so some see its role as convenient instead of necessary.
When we learn about absolute value, we learn zero is the absolute reference point for defining all numbers and the basis of proof for all equations. We learn this has always been true even when we were unaware. Just as this is true for our personal learning, it also applies to history.
Dropping context and thinking about zero’s place in reality makes the comparison seem insulting. Understanding that zero is absolute, infinite, and perfect within math should alleviate such concerns. Within math, zero is supreme. I’m aware of the stark difference between how zero is viewed and the reality zero represents.
The Analogy that Helps Describe God
In order to separate the confusion associated with the word nothing and the negative connotations of zero from the high esteem the creator deserves, I use the analogy: God is to reality what zero is to math. Please, don’t conflate my analogy into God is to reality what zero is to reality. That would be insulting to the creator.
What I’m saying may seem simple on the surface, but it defies expectations so much a knee jerk reaction hinders understanding. Zero has a role in math as explained in algebra and absolute value. If you earned a passing grade in algebra, I’m not saying anything about zero you didn’t accept in order to get a good grade. None of it is my opinion.
That role zero plays in defining numbers mirrors the creators role in reality. Since I would argue the origin of what is valued is more valuable than the valued thing itself, I argue the creator is the only reality worthy of the highest esteem, thus the title God.
The Truth in Every Perspective
Whether you’re religious, atheist, or somewhere in between, there has been some truth in what you believed. The religious have been right to want to worship the creator. Unfortunately, imagination and personification can be more comfortable than logic and reason. Regardless of intent, it does more harm than good.
The atheists were right to reject the contradictions of religion. Unfortunately, rejecting the creator leads to contradiction as well. The analogy avoids them all. Accepting it would not imply accepting what you’ve railed against for so long.
If you couldn’t decide what to believe because you couldn’t know for sure one way or the other, you were right. The analogy explains why God has been mysterious while bringing the most clarity possible. Let go of your expectations and imagination, and replace them with math and logic.
God is to reality what zero is to math. It’s the analogy that can define and describe the origin of all for those who want to think about God without contradiction. Explore the unseen constant of existence. It’s time to know, not just believe.
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