The Dual Nature of God's Understanding in the Modern World
For centuries, humans have grappled with the concept of God and His existence. The question often arises: Can humanity truly accept that they will never truly understand God if he indeed exists? Why do millions of people still pretend to know the very nature of God, based on books written by Bronze Age men with limited knowledge of the world outside their own?
Truth as Reality
From a theological perspective, the assertion that 'Christ was Truth' (John 14:6) forms the cornerstone of belief in the existence of an actual, tangible reality. Truth, rooted in facts and real things, is a reflection of that reality. This foundational belief underpins the understanding that humanity's grasp of truth is intrinsically tied to its understanding of reality.
The Role of God in Human Understanding
The assumption is that if a loving God exists, He would make Himself understood. However, the opposite belief has also persisted: that if God does not exist, understanding would not be a challenge. This belief is that if a more intellectual and knowledgeable modern humanity has truly evolved beyond Bronze Age wisdom, why so many still cling to ancient texts is a mystery.
Those who truly believe in God often accept that their understanding is always incomplete, a reverence that comes with being part of a larger, unknowable reality. However, the millions who still claim to know God's nature do so based on texts written in the Bronze Age, a time when human knowledge of the natural world was limited. Why this disparity exists?
Historical Necessity and Childhood Beliefs
The answer lies in the historical necessity of these texts and the human tendency to cling to what was familiar in childhood. If not for the works of Bronze Age authors, modern humanity might never have conceived of the concept of a higher deity.
Throughout history, various deities were worshipped, each reflecting the limited knowledge and understanding of their respective time periods. The belief in a supernatural force controlling the natural world, the idea that the Earth is the center of the universe, and the notion of four or five elemental substances were once common beliefs. These ideas seemed logical and necessary in times when science and rationality were not yet refined.
Persisting Ancient Beliefs in Modern Times
However, we have since moved on in many aspects of our understanding. Most modern scientific and rational thought has replaced these ancient superstitions. Yet, some people still hold on to the beliefs in gods, often based on the teachings found in these ancient texts. These beliefs are reinforced through childhood indoctrination and a deep-seated desire for the truth to align with their hopes and fears.
These ancient texts serve as the foundation for many religious systems, including their pantheons and moral codes. To disregard these texts would mean stripping away these beliefs' very foundation, leaving individuals without a reason to believe in gods at all.
The Conundrum of Belief
The conundrum of why so many still pretend to know the nature of God based on texts from Bronze Age individuals lies in the interplay between historical necessity and human desire for truth and understanding. It is a complex issue that touches on beliefs, history, and the human condition.
Despite the vast evolutionary leap in human knowledge and understanding, the persistence of these beliefs is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the human need for solace, meaning, and ethical guidance.
As we continue to evolve, questioning and reinterpreting our ancient beliefs will be an ongoing process. It is a journey of understanding and acceptance, where the quest for truth and the acceptance of our own limitations coexist.