ASAers:
We are fortunate to have a number of theologically oriented folks on
this list. When the theology is presented along with supporting
rationale, we can get significant insights. Yet, much of what one sees
is often supported by the study of ìscholars" --- and scholarship can
be found to support almost any point of view (from Ultra Conservative to
ìJesus Seminarî). That is why I like those who augment their viewpoint
with the logic --- as George Murphy often does. (No slight intended to
others ñ but George just pops to mind as someone from a previous
ìlifeî).
I, as a person who spent most of his life as an engineer, have found
something that is easier for me to deal with ñ and that is an analogy.
My favorite is making the analogy between God and His creation to that
of a Programmer ìcreatingî artificial intelligence (AIs) for electronic
minds to place in various types of robots to serve mankind. One can
ìmake upî any scenario that parallels any given theological question.
For example: a recent discussion focused on how God might be omnipotent
and what that implied. Well, the Programmer is omnipotent with respect
to the AIs in his simulation. He can do anything that he wishes, but he
may well want to allow the AIs to have ìfree willî so that they would be
more than just simple pre-programmed entities. He could then select
those AIs that best suited his purpose.
Anyhow, I have toyed around with this notion for many years and have
decided that I can satisfy myself with an engineer's explanation of
almost all theological issues.
I wonder what otherís think about this notion?
Be kind, you Theologians.
Walt
-- =================================== Walt Hicks <wallyshoes@mindspring.com>In any consistent theory, there must exist true but not provable statements. (Godel's Theorem)
You can only find the truth with logic If you have already found the truth without it. (G.K. Chesterton) ===================================
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