Deism - A Way To Progress (rituals, Deists, tradition, beliefs)

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by seishin

Deut. 32.8,

You seem to have lots of questions, I'm just curious as too what YOUR beliefs are?

Humanistic Judaism and philosophical naturalism. I see nothing to warrant a belief in God(s), in the supernatural, or in a teleological universe. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask - though this may not be the best forum for such a discussion.

[seishin]

How would you explain the design of the universe based on our infinitesimal knowledge of its origin and its being? Would you say that you could explain it in “natural” terms as opposed to “supernatural”? It’s interesting that you chose to capitalize G in God despite your lack of belief.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by seishin

'How would you explain the design of the universe based on our infinitesimal knowledge of its origin and its being?'

Poorly, no doubt. I leave such explanations to people such as Stephen Hawking and try my best to follow along. On the other hand, "God did it." is a statement of faith that 'explains' nothing.

The more interesting question is why you, armed with no more than "infinitesimal knowledge", would presume a supernatural agency. I am reminded of the following:

Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.

-- Charles Darwin, Introduction to The Descent of Man (1871)

Originally Posted by seishin

' Would you say that you could explain it in 'natural' terms as opposed to 'supernatural'?''

Increasingly. What have you explained in 'supernatural terms'?

Originally Posted by seishin

It's interesting that you chose to capitalize G in God despite your lack of belief.

I do so as a matter of respect. I also capitalize words such as 'Christian', 'Bible', 'Hindu', etc.