by Tristan Russell
Member since:
January 9, 2008

Theism: It Just Doesn’t Add Up

January 29, 2009 06:03 PM EST (Updated: February 17, 2009 05:36 PM EST)
views: 59 | rating: 10/10 (2 votes) | comments: 15

I suck at math. If it weren’t for this humongous calculator I’m typing on, I’d probably be S.O.L.

I remembered working on a programming problem when I realized that losing your religion (or at the very least, analyzing what you believe) is a lot like math. Whether you’re working a complicated problem or learning a whole new mathematics altogether, some of the same requirements are involved with both.

Logic, reason, and critical thinking skills all apply when working with mathematics. What number comes after this; What theorem best fits this problem; If Jane has six apples...

Thinking about your theism is much the same. Why would God cover his people with infested birds; Is a talking donkey really legitimate; Is Allah too proud to love proud people?

I say math specifically because, like me, a lot of people have sub-par skills in that area (and in science, in this country. Hopefully that will change...). Likewise, a lot of people don’t critically question what it is they say they believe and avoid it like the plague – or a math problem.

It took a lot of time for me to "work out" the problem of my theism. It was hard, and demanded of me skills that weren’t quite ripe yet. Coming out into the light of reason can be blinding for many, but the truth you see when you actually open your eyes is nothing short of breathtaking. I’ve embraced science and the natural world more fully than I could ever have dreamed of with the monkey of God on my back. Hopefully many more people who are entrenched in their god beliefs will become brave enough to tackle the problem head-on, stare directly into the mirror, and ask themselves: why?

 

-STA

link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 15

Chuck L. Jan 29, 2009, 6:34pm EST
For me, it wasn't hard at all. My parents were fundamentalist Xtians, and it occurred to me at about the age of 15 that if God existed, his primary function was to be a universe sized malevolent practical joker.
I gave up the entire exercize then and there.
I've been an athiest for more than 50 years, and it's SO much easier than being a "Theist." I don't have to make up convoluted reasons for why things that are simply nonsense are actually the only things that ARE real.
Holly C. Jan 29, 2009, 6:57pm EST
My parents dragged me to church from the time that I was a few months old and by the time I was five I didn't believe any of it. It just sounded like a fairy tale. If people started believing in science and the abilities of themselves and their fellow humans, then we could finally progress as a society. Religion does nothing but cause one group of people to look down on another and to judge one another. The world would be much more peaceful if people stopped judging and started living.
Gary Gentry Jan 29, 2009, 8:53pm EST
Tristan:
I've just finished reading Mark Twian's "Letters from the Earth" in which he rips the Bible (primarily Old Testament) for its nonsense. He mentions the then-fresh science of discoveries in astronomy, and uses it to show the absurdity of the Biblical accounts of creation. Highly recommended for someone at your stage of spiritual development.
Tristan Russell Jan 29, 2009, 10:10pm EST
Gary,

You've mentioned the book before in my last post, and like I said then, I do plan to read it. I've read bits and pieces too.

And I don't have any "spiritual development" going on. What is a "spirit", Gary? And what "stage" am I currently in?
Mark M. Jan 29, 2009, 10:30pm EST
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.
Psalm 14:1

In Him we live and move and have our being. . .

-Mark
Chris Brockman Jan 29, 2009, 10:44pm EST
So nice of Mark to prove your point, Tristan. It's pretty hard to see the light when you have your head stuck up your....Bible.
Tristan Russell Jan 29, 2009, 10:51pm EST
Indeed, thanks Chris.

Oh, and Mark. Since you like to tell me bible verses, here's one for you:

Matthew 5:22
"...whosoever shall say, 'Thou fool', shall be in danger of hell fire."
Svetlana Goryacheva Jan 30, 2009, 6:26am EST
Ha-ha! Kudos to Tristan and Chris. ;-) Experience tells us that having Bible at hand, one can prove whatever he or she wishes - indeed, there were (and are) a lot of Nazis who every day come to take Communion and a lot of Communists who every day read Sermons on the Mount. That's why, even though a believer myself, I have far less problems with agnostics than with some of my fellow "church goers". Whenever one thinks that he or she has found an ultimate truth, this is the beginning of the end.

Blessings and best wishes - S.
Svetlana Goryacheva Jan 30, 2009, 6:28am EST
BTW, dear Tristan, have you heard something about John Shelby Spong and his works? I can't honestly say that I agree with him on every point, but I do hold him in high esteem. :-)

Blessings and best wishes - S.
Gary Gentry Jan 30, 2009, 8:24am EST
"I realized that losing your religion (or at the very least, analyzing what you believe) is a lot like math." "It took a lot of time for me to "work out" the problem of my theism." "Hopefully many more people who are entrenched in their god beliefs will become brave enough to tackle the problem head-on, stare directly into the mirror, and ask themselves: why?"
Tristan:
Sorry for repeating myself. My wife says I do that a lot. I guess a better word than "spiritual" is yours: theism. I've come to use "spirituality" to refer to my "theism" whenever I'm approached by door-to-door preachers. I tell them I'm comfortable with my spirituality, they say "God bless you" and leave without a harangue.
Sheryl O. Jan 30, 2009, 10:15am EST
Probably why our pool of kids going into science, math and engineering is getting smaller and smaller in the US as religious fervor grows. And NCLB only adds to the lack of critical thinking skill development - teaching right/wrong answers on a test all day, every day at school, and having kids sit in front of 2-dimensional screens so much of the time outside of school, kills the chance for any kinds of development of critical thought. Add on top of that the religious doctrine shoved down kids' throats...well, I'd say that if someone truly stepped back from American homes and schools and saw what we were doing with children's minds, they would come to the conclusion that the majority of Americans kids are being abused mentally, emotionally and physically.
Tristan Russell Jan 30, 2009, 1:36pm EST
Gary, I don't have theism. I'm an atheist. A-theist = without-theism. Maybe you misread that sentence. I was saying that I had a hard time working out theism. When I DID finally become brave enough to study it, I realized it's faults and I lost it.
Tristan Russell Jan 30, 2009, 1:38pm EST
Spot on, Sheryl.
Justin W. Feb 2, 2009, 2:26am EST
Interesting way to put it all Tristan, seems well...logical. But I have to agree with you entirely. Speaking of adding up, Richard Dawkins talks about the probability of god in the book "The God Delusion". He's a little pompous, he does that on purpose, but it is a great read.
Tristan Russell Feb 2, 2009, 2:59am EST
Indeed it is, Justin. That's why I highly recommend his book along with several others on my blog.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16836, "Oz"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.