by Justin Deschamps,
In my analysis and study, I’d say we’re creatures of faith.
We know this because at the bottom of any substantiated well-reasoned belief is some untested assumption, that has either not been tested intentionally or can’t be do to scientific limitations. This untested assumption is something we have faith in; hence the operational definition of faith that I’m using here is one where we act as if an assumption we hold is true.
Psychologically, your mind generates more assumptions than you can reasonably prove, which means we operate on faith at a core level. We hold beliefs we haven’t tested or can’t test and therefore these beliefs are functionally equivalent to faith.
Ultimately, I’d say this proves that while blind faith in dogma and dead religions clearly leads to suffering, abandoning the pursuit of transcendent faith-based realities is self-destructive. If we fundamentally operate on faith at our core, surely reaching for the best philosophy founded on that reality is practically useful.
Theism, in this sense, is the recognition that the quest to find a true idea of God is the most rational thing to do, given we are psychologically designed to work with faith-based beliefs at our core.
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In my search for what this “true idea of God is” I’ve think that the best, most practical, and psychologically beneficial faith-based assumption appears to be that reality is good because the creator of reality is infinite and therefore good because oneness is inherently harmonious.
Now what’s interesting is that, psychologically, negative core beliefs appear to be the primary cause of all psychological disease and illness. These negative core beliefs are assumptions about yourself, life, and reality in general, which are very close to beliefs about God. Furthermore, by forming a clear and accurate belief system about a good, loving God, wherein you are destined for greatness, you undermine the very negative core beliefs that cause suffering. This has been studied by scientists looking to understand why spiritual people seem to be more resilient to life’s more traumatic challenges.
In this way, theism is practically useful. Epistemologically, theism is pragmatically true. That said, your concept of God has to be open and capable of growing more accurate, or the power it has to heal negative core beliefs is limited.
And in this sense, whether or not you can prove the reality of God doesn’t matter. The benefit of having faith that a God exists and that you will improve your life by seeking for it, has already been proven true and useful.
Thus the debate about the reality of God, in this sense, isn’t about proof but about utility. Which draws into question how we relate to beliefs, faith, claims of truth, science, religion and knowledge in general. But that’s a discussion for another time.
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About The Author
Justin Deschamps has been a truth seeker all his life. He studies physics, psychology, law, philosophy, and spirituality, working to weave these seemingly separate bodies of information into a holistic tapestry of ever-expanding knowledge. Justin is a student of all and a teacher to some. He humbly seeks those who are willing to take responsibility for making themselves and the world a better place. The goal of his work is to help himself and others become better truth-seekers, and in doing so, form a community of holistically minded individuals capable of creating world healing projects for the benefit of all life—what has been called The Great Work. Check out his project Stillness in the Storm to find some of his work. Follow on Twitter @sitsshow, Facebook Stillness in the Storm, and minds.com.
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This article (What is The Practical Benefit of Theism—the Quest to Know and Act as if a God Exists?) originally appeared on StillnessintheStorm.com and is free and open source. You have permission to share or republish this article in full so long as attribution to the author and stillnessinthestorm.com
Stillness in the Storm Editor: Why did we post this?
Consciousness is one of the most mysterious phenomena of all time. Scientists, philosophers, and mystics have been searching for the answer to the question, What is Consciousness? for most of human history. In modern times, the spiritual origins of consciousness are being replaced with a materialistic view, that awareness emerges as an additive property of electrical impulses in living things. Despite the fact this theory is assumed to be true, any self-respecting psychologist will tell you we have no idea what consciousness really is. The preceding article discusses consciousness, some of its properties, and possible origins. This is helpful to contemplate because, in the act of trying to understand the mysteries of consciousness, you develop critical thinking skills and stimulate your philosophic muscles, both which are immensely important for almost everything we do in life. Additionally, you’ll develop abstract thinking skills, the ability to explore intangible realities that govern material realms. With the power of an active mind capable of navigating the realities of consciousness, great leaps in personal attainment can be made along with preparing you for the Great Work of making this world a better place.
– Justin
Not sure how to make sense of this? Want to learn how to discern like a pro? Read this essential guide to discernment, analysis of claims, and understanding the truth in a world of deception: 4 Key Steps of Discernment – Advanced Truth-Seeking Tools.
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