As you can see in the video, much of what is being attributed to the universe is attributed to God by Christianity. It might as well be praying to a god. The universe is described using anthropomorphic terms and almost described as having a will. We, as human beings are even chided for having the audacity to complain about what it does and what it is. While at the same time people who would agree with this video would throw out the idea that we have no right to complain against God. Such statements stop barely short of ascribing personhood to the universe. I realize that some would counter that all of this is just symbolic language and in no way would those who do this think it's okay to worship the universe. But isn't that the problem. If one recognizes one greater than the universe who created and controls it - they are logically obligated to worship and obey the one who did it. As a person who studies the created order to understand how it is not how we want it to be, should we do no less when we approach God? If the universe owes you nothing, then God owes you less. The universe isn't a live organism. It contains living things. God can and does whatever God wants to do, when God wants to do it. Thankfully, God has decided to make himself known in many various ways at many various times. How dare we say to God God should reveal God's self to us on our terms and then complain that we can't understand God?
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. - Romans 1:18-25We inevitably end up worshiping something. If you are not going to Worship the true and living God you will be worshiping the creation, an idol, or worse yourself.
Open Letter to the Universe - YouTube
Indeed, Atheism and/or secular worldview does not stunt a human being's ability to be awed about the awesomeness and wonder and beauty of the universe (as long as one can be awed by an accident). In fact, Atheist replace awe in YHVH with awe in the universe, nature, etc. and thus, practice a neo-Pagan form of Atheism. I gathered quite a few Atheist statements to this effect.
ReplyDeleteIt just amazes me that they can't see it.
ReplyDeleteMarcus: Since awe =/= worship, I'm not getting just what it is from Marino's comment we can't see.
ReplyDeleteAwe indeed does not equal worship. Neither Mariano nor I stated that. "Worship" means "ascribing value". What atheists (maybe like you? because neither one of us was talking about you directly) who ascribe value to the universe to the point of describing it with the attributes of will and personhood are missing the point as to whom their reverence should be given - it should be given to the one who made it - the Creator not the creation.
ReplyDeleteNeither Mariano nor I stated that. "Worship" means "ascribing value".
ReplyDeleteThen the claim that atheists practice paganism is unwarranted.
Mariano did not say "paganism" but "neo-paganism". There is a difference. I don't think he was talking about all Atheists anyway.His comment is totally warranted even if you don't like it.
ReplyDeleteWhat would that difference be besides Neo-Paganism being "new"? Since Neo-Paganism is a blanket term for a number of pagan inspired religions, I still fail to see how being in awe of science and/or the universe would fit this description.
ReplyDeleteMariano specializes in empty soundbytes and this is just yet another one.
No surprise you fail to see the point. You often do.
ReplyDeleteYes, silly me, failing to see the point of nonsense.
ReplyDeleteYou are silly. At least we agree on that.
ReplyDeletegreat rhetoric. Now, can you explain how awe of nature/universe and science is equal to worshiping nature/universe and/or science?
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't have to equal. This post isn't about all atheists. Neither was Mariano's comment directed to all Atheist. Only for some of you does the "neo-pagan" fit. As for you, I don't think you worship the universe or science. You worship yourself. Just as faulty.
ReplyDeleteAs for you, I don't think you worship the universe or science. You worship yourself. Just as faulty.
ReplyDeleteWell, I expect you cannot conceive of someone not worshiping something.