A friend and I were discussing religions (as I had been reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins), and he, like Richard, sees religion as nothing more than superstition formed by lack of knowing the real truth, which is science.

Throughout history, our religions have changed and adapted as our awareness and understandings also changed.  We have gone from worshiping the sun and moon and seasons to worshiping beings that control the sun and moon and seasons.  We have had pantheons that oversee almost every detail in our lives to singular omniscient deities that are seen as eternal parental figures.

Every step of the way, we were quite certain that our beliefs were sound and real.  They were, too, for the time we had them.  I suggested to my friend that science could simply be the current evolution of the belief system.

Of course he was put aback by even the slightest comparison between his correct and tested understanding of the world and absolutely fictitious view help by those of “faith”.

“Even that is similar,” I noted.

“How so?”

“Is science and the scientific method the one path to knowing the truth about ourselves and the universe we live in?”

“Yes.”

“Isn’t  that rather like the religious person who believes their deity is the source of truth?”

“Absolutely not.  Science is based on observation, repeating, testing, verifying.  The conclusions of science are proven.”

“Is proven a constant?  Can something proven and accepted scientifically ever again be questioned?”

“Of course.  That is why science differs from religion.  As discoveries are made that change our understandings, science incorporates the new knowledge.”

“So as a scientist, one should admit that everything we believe to be true is only believed to be true because it’s the limit of our current awareness.”

He considered this a moment then nodded in agreement.

“Which means that even the methods we use to measure and prove things may be subject to question.”

“I suppose so, but the method of observation and testing is a constant for science.  We can always question our conclusions based on new information becoming available, but any new conclusions must be arrived at through the same process.”

“How do you know it’s a constant?”

“Well, it just is. It’s the best way to study anything.”

“So you must presume the scientific method is the correct path to fully understanding the universe, since the method obviously cannot prove itself.”

Again a slight pause. “Yes.”

“It seems to me that the method of science is the same as deity.  It provides for you what God provides for someone else.”

“What is that?”

“Belief.  Answers.  You believe in science as the absolute, unquestionable path to understanding.  All other manners of arriving at the truth are archaic, superstitious or due to inadequate education.  You have faith in the scientific method because to your way of thought, it is the only intelligent process and it provides conclusions that you  and others can observe and verify.”

“Believing in a god cannot be compared to science.  You read Richard’s book.  How can you possibly not understand this?”

“To me, arguing that one’s own belief system, which is ultimately based on some aspect that cannot be proven and requires faith, is more correct than a separate one with the same qualifications seems a bit silly.  I personally don’t have anything against science.  I really enjoy all of the positive things It has allowed us to achieve through the faithful study if It.

However the existence of one way of perceiving does not exclude all other ways of perceiving.  In fact, a time may come when there might very well be a way of thinking that completely changes how we view the universe and science will be perceived as a hokey superstition.  Just as we once thought the sun was pulled across the sky by the gods in a celestial chariot, so too one day will things such as our explanations of gravity, time and space be seen as unenlightened.”

“There’s a lot more probability that the scientific method is true than there is a probability of there being a god.”

“Really?  This probability is based on what calculations?  Scientific ones, hmm?”

He just grinned, shook his head and through up his hands as if he had given up trying to get his point across.  Of course, I have seen this reaction from religious friends trying to talk me into accepting their belief system was superior.  He is just one of the faithful.

Happily I might add, and that’s really what matters isn’t it?

Some thoughts on who we are…

1. The concept of Self is a temporary illusion.
2. We are each a sliver of the greater whole of life. We are as cells in the body. Each growing, living and dying.
3. Every body has a variety of cells. The cells of a healthy body work in unison.
4. Be aware that you can attribute to the health and disease of the greater whole.
5. Anger, hate, and jealousy are symptoms of disease. Avoid harmful and disruptive thoughts and actions. They harm others, you, and the whole.
6. You are not your body.
7. You are not the items that surround you.
8. You are not defined by anything material.
9. You are how you feel about yourself.
10. You are how you feel about others.
11. You cannot be separate from the whole.
12. You can believe you are.
13. Strength is found in acceptance of others.
14. Strength is found in the understanding that you are a part of others.
15. Happiness, love, and health are the products of embracing unity.
16. View everyone as an ally.
17. Recognize that not everyone will do the same.
18. Try to help those that are consumed with disease.
19. Accept that you cannot always do so.
20. You are your actions and your thoughts. Think and act positive, and you will be a positive influence.
21. Resist negative influence. Surround yourself with others that do the same.