This week I discovered an online argument between people that got me thinking. The argument is over a logical train of thought to "prove" or "disprove" the existence of God. I tried my best to follow the contortions of logic put forward, but frankly I was overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) by the arguments. The reason for the argument was of much greater interest, and I hope I can explain my views without causing undue offense to either sides.
The reason we argue is a deeply seated drive in the human psyche. To understand this we need to explore the structure and functions of the cognitive being we call Man.
The primary question we must ask, and examine our own beliefs around, is whether one believes (there is no proof) there is existence without physical life. Before you were born, did you exist? After you die, will you continue to exist?
The reason for this searching question is to determine if you believe in the existence of the core, the Spirit. Do you believe that, when all else is tripped away, you are a pure spirit, that exists, and can exist, in the absence of all the other elements that make you a person.
Regardless of your personal thoughts, let us, for the sake of my writing, assume there is an entity that identifies as You, the Spirit.
The Spirit You is most often encountered as your conscience. The little voice that urges you to do the right thing, rather than what your selfish side regards as right for you.
The next element of your make-up is a clearly defined and understood portion called the Ego. Freud described it, albeit in a slightly different way, and we are all acquainted with the definition. This is the part of your mind that turns everything it can to your benefit. According to the Ego, its all about You.
The Ego is a mechanism developed to manipulate your actions, the actions of others, and your environment, to give you the maximum chance of success. It is a survival mechanism, honed by evolution, that gives you the maximum chance of surviving and thriving, no matter what.
The conflict between one's Ego and Spirit requires choice. Choice makes us human, and sometimes leads to either acts of great selfishness or great selflessness. Enormous power and liberation can be found in understanding these dynamics and controlling them. Doing what you desire, rather than what your Ego desires, is maybe the ultimate act of "growing up".
Getting back to argument; arguments are often more about the proponents drive to be right, rather than truth. We see this in so many spheres. Arguments to arm militia, and start wars for the sake of peace. Alienating friends and family in order to prove to them that your way is right.
Religious beliefs are personal. Assuming one believes in God it should be about one's personal relationship with God. Unfortunately the Ego strikes in this area as much as in every other facet of life. The arguments seem to develop thus.
+ God Exists: I believe and accept. Proclaiming my beliefs and pointing the way to God is reasonable. Unfortunately my Ego steps in and I take it upon myself to formulate arguments showing how my beliefs are right, and better than your beliefs. I then adopt tactics to bully and coerce you to agree with me and fall into step with me.
- God Does Not Exist: I see no proof I can accept, and I am content with no belief or obligation to any Deity. Respect for the beliefs of others does not cost me anything. However, I now dance to my Ego's tune, and actively denigrate your beliefs in God, present numerous arguments to prove there is no God, and do anything I can to exploit cracks in your belief system.
I am RIGHT.
At this point one also needs to acknowledge that neither the Ego nor argument are intrinsically wrong or undesirable. The Ego is a very useful tool, as long as it remains a tool. Argument, if conducted respectfully and constructively, advance our understanding and leads to discovery. What is important is to remain vigilant and self-critical enough to recognize Ego driven behavior and seize back control. You are, after all, more than just a selfish narcissist.
