Hi Roger,
Thanks for the clarification. It was excellent. In speaking with subscribers to some/any religious mythology, I often have said:
"your God" or just
“God” using italics as indicator that my reference is to their previous implication or direct statement regarding a narrow, religious claim in the use of that term.
It’s really much as you intended by using quotation marks.
Just a couple of points in your fine explanation of your use of language.
Roger stated:
Again, right or wrong what I'm referring to by that god term is Universal truth upon which all progress in science, and understanding of "Its" law(s) is based.
If you’re speaking to one who is clearly immersed in a religious doctrine, I think any reference using the word
god or
God is problematic without a stated intention. In addition, most who adhere to a religious mythology don’t describe it as compatible with
science as you or I might understand it.
For example, there are people who say directly or indirectly that they
accept science. Yet, as they claim belief in their religious views, they speak of “miracles” which, upon close look, deny science. You mentioned several examples to Richard which are
Christian doctrine and which, if factual, render science false.
These same people
use prayer with the intent
to manipulate their God to “act” in ways favorable to them. It’s often very personal. But we see this in politicians who end speeches with: “God Bless America.” For example, We don’t hear a politician say
God bless Iran or
God bless Africa, etc. G.W. Bush has closed with: “May God continue to bless the United States of America.” So he and others are
using God for political purpose. Who can speak up and challenge that speech conclusion who is an American? It curries favor with the religious right and identifies Bush with
God and
God with America.
In no respect is such reference intended to refer to “Universal truth.” Politicians and religious leaders don’t refer to
God and intend what you may by “Universal truth.” They refer to the
God entity within the context of their own narrow religious view.
Therefore, I think it misleading to use the term as you might use it. In virtually everyone’s mind,
God has a connotation far short of “Universal truth.” But I accept your intent by use of quotation marks. I’m skeptical that other readers (absent the careful explanation you have given) would comprehend that.
------------------
I also understand your comment next, but think listeners/readers are unlikely to understand.
Roger stated:
Further, in this suggestion, I'm personifying "Universal truth" for those who have difficulty with abstracts. Whether this helps or hinders understanding???
You may be (personifying). But it’s also misleading in that whatever you might consider “Universal truth” to be, it’s
not person. That they have “difficulty with abstracts” is not a justification for avoiding them. However,
in defense of what you do, “those” may talk to/with you and not talk with you if you make transparent your real position(s).
------------------
(JAK previously:
In what way do the “the sciences and advancing knowledge” rely on any God myth?)
Roger stated:
THEY don't. But as yet many folks in their states of transition/evolution are not quite ready to totally jettison the "God myth"...
Not only is that correct, the religious organizations (many) and the politicians (many) intend to make use of religion as long as they can. That’s long beyond our lifetime.
Continued mistreatment of the planet by increased population and all that contributes to the destruction of the planet’s capacity to support human life is likely hasten the earth’s deterioration for that support.
A large number of people today would
pray for earth while conducting themselves in ways that damage earth. Particularly that is likely to be the case when there is near universal recognition about rising sea levels and rising temperatures globally.
The evolution of religious mythologies has been relatively slow. We can document that with evidence easily accessed. The Roman Catholic Church officially prohibits
family planning which involves artificial contraception. Yet, we know that
reliable family-size planning can be accomplished as people use medical science in birth control.
Evolution (change) in thinking
requires accurate information.
God myths don’t provide it. Worse,
God myths impede acquisition of accurate information. Recognition that the earth is a sphere (round), not flat took many, many years from the time the most accurately informed individuals really
knew that fact.
Roger stated:
When I proceed to eat it is with amazement of, and gratitude for, the process that is about to begin of the transfer of energy that sustains me... Like "WOW!!"
What you don’t mention seems of greater significance than what you do.
Poverty Levels in the US
Hunger and World Poverty
Global
The Threat of Global Poverty
And an excerpt:
Today, more than half the world's population lives on less than $2 per day, and almost 1.1 billion people live in extreme poverty, defined as less than $1 per day. The costs of global poverty are multiple. Poverty prevents poor countries from devoting sufficient resources to detect and contain deadly disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low- and middle-income countries suffer 90 percent of the world's disease burden but account for only 11 percent of its health care spending. Poverty also dramatically increases the risk of civil conflict. A recent study by the UK's Department for International Development showed that a country at $250 GDP per capita has on average a 15 percent risk of internal conflict over five years, while a country at $5,000 per capita has a risk of less than 1 percent. War zones provide ideal operational environs for international outlaws.
--------------------
What we have or don’t have is a result of
propinquity and
proxemics.
Again, my compliments for your response which addressed issues and questions which I raised.
JAK