A little philosophy inclineth man’s mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s minds about to religion.
I've decided to start a Theospection series, where I research different thinkers and give a blurb about their thoughts on God. I'll try to get a wide range of opinions (...and not do them that often). It's for scholarship more than debate.
Sir Francis Bacon is a good philosopher to start my series with: He was a founder of the Empiricist school of thought--attempting to use observation as the foundation of science. He's also attributed with developing the scientific method. In addition to being a scientist, Bacon believed fully in God and felt his own philosophy was a calling to glorify God and religion.
It's important to note, though, that Bacon separated religion and philosophy--saying the two cannot coexist. He felt philosophy was based on reason while faith was based on revelation and is, therefore, irrational. As he said: "the more discordant, therefore, and incredible, the divine mystery is, the more honour is shown to God in believing it, and the nobler is the victory of faith."
In Bacon's essay on atheism, he argues that atheism is founded upon (1) the divisions of religion, (2) the scandals of the priests, (3) profane scoffing of holy matters, and (4) the existence of "learned times" in conjunction with peace and prosperity.
Above all, Bacon felt, "atheism is in all respects hateful...[for] it depriveth human nature of the means to exalt itself above human frailty."
_______
Sources: 1 2 3 4
7 years ago
6 comments:
I have always wondered where atheists find their hope in life. When things in my life are at their worst I know that this life is but a moment in the eternal plan. If they truly believe that this life is the be all and end all - what is the point? Do they believe their actions and choices matter? Do they feel like their existance is really the result of some cosmic accident? I had several friends in college who are atheists and I find that difficult in comparison to how intelligent and thoughtful they are.
It is so good to hear from you and fun to catch up with your life via your blog! I'm glad you posted on mine.
I consider myself agnostic, in the respect that I don't feel certain that I can know the true nature of the mystery many call "god." I know quite a few people in my camp, as well as many atheists. Usually I've found that most of us, both atheists and agnostics, believe in certain concepts of "higher" or "unifying" powers, but remain skeptical about the definitions that most of the world's religions give to these powers. While many of us may not align ourselves with religious movements, I think we most definitely have a strong sense of the sacred and profane. Shaun and I tear up watching things like the Planet Earth series, reading poetry and books like The Tao of Physics, et cetera. This world is incredible, EVEN IF this life is the only shot my current "ego" has. I believe in progress, evolution, et cetera....on into e-ternity, and in my eyes life is anything but hopeless. ;)
I like Francis Bacon.
I like Francis Bacon too. At least, the little bit I know about him. It was neat to find some of my own beliefs among his: like religion being rational and faith being irrational--as I've spoken about to you (Shasta) in the past.
Although I felt Bacon's arguments why people become atheists was a bit patronizing and simplistic, I have talked to people (usually anti-church more than atheist, but still) who don't believe in a church for variations of these reasons: variations in religion, the behaviors of priests or believers, a lack of respect towards religion/God, or apathy.
Same thing with the bottom line. I liked it--not because I think atheism is hateful (spiteful sometimes...lol)--but because one of my own reasons for rejecting it was the black hole I saw at the center of it.
Wait a few days, Shasta, and I'll post my theospection for Einstein...I think you'll like it.
Erin...how'd you get the nickname "Yamsey"?
There are two theories about the creation of my nickname. Lisa says that when I was born they called me EM (short for Erin Marie). EM morphed to yam then yams then Yamsey.
The other version - the one I remember - is that my grandmother always made yams for Thanksgiving dinner. I absolutley detested yams (still do) so my brothers and sisters teased me, calling me yams then Yamsey and it stuck. Jared still calls me Yamsey. I still call him Jare-Bear. It fits somehow.
Francis Bacon is very clear that Philosophy is a GOOD and that enough of It actually leads one back to where one started: GOD. Philosophy, in his day, encompassed Life Itself. Francis Bacon unified his approach to Life and understanding of Life in God. It is also Reality. God Is and "I AM" is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Moreover, Francis Bacon's Life was more than most ppl understand. One does not need to be a Rosicrucian or an "I AM" Student to know he wrote all the Shakespeare Plays and that used numerous pen names. This helps one understand the massive Intelligence and Depth of one of the Greatest Beings who walked the Earth. And, He still maybe doing so. Did you know his was a feigned death? And, do you know where ppl like him end up ultimately?
Remember, He would tell He Knows there is God! So that means ...........
(He may be where Jesus is... and the many, many others)
Post a Comment